The diet of the small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus (Carnivora: Herpestidae), was studied by analysis of feces in winter 1992–1993 on a northern Mediterranean island, at the northern limit of distribution of the species. Vertebrates (46% by volume, mostly murine rodents) and plant matter (43%, mostly fruit) dominated the diet. The entire small-mammalian fauna of the island, except for shrews, was represented in the diet. The diet differs significantly from what has been reported previously. We suggest this species be classified as a generalist rather than as an insectivorous or a vertebrate feeder, as has been done previously.