Flathead Kusimanse
| Flathead Kusimanse | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Crossarchus platycephalus | ||||||||||||
| Goldman , 1984 |
The flat head kusimanse or Cameroon kusimanse ( Crossarchus platycephalus ) is a species of predator from the mongoose family (Herpestidae).
features
Flathead Kusimansen are very similar to the closely related Dark Kusimansen , with whom they are sometimes even considered a common species. The differences are mainly based on the structure of the skull , and the flat-headed kusimanse, in contrast to the dark kusimanse, has a mane of the neck. The head body length of these animals is 30 to 36 centimeters, the tail measures 16 to 21 centimeters and the weight is 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms. Their physique is slender and elongated, the tail is relatively short, as are the legs. The front and rear paws each end in five toes, the front paws have strong claws. The dark, shaggy fur is dark brown or black in color, the outer hairs become longer towards the back. As with all Kusimansen, the skull is characterized by the elongated snout, the ears are small and rounded. The tooth formula is I 3/3 - C 1 / 1- P 3 / 3- M 2/2, so a total of 36 teeth.
Distribution and way of life
Flat-headed Kusimansen are native to central Africa . Their distribution area extends from southern Benin and southern Nigeria via Cameroon to the Central African Republic and the northwest of the Republic of the Congo . It is not known whether they also occur in Gabon . Their habitat is mainly the undergrowth of tropical rainforests and riparian forests . They cope relatively well with human interventions and are also found in areas made up of forest and fields in the Niger Delta , for example .
Very little is known about their way of life. They are probably diurnal and live in groups that roam around their territory without a fixed structure . They look for food, invertebrates and small vertebrates, on the forest floor or in rotted tree trunks.
Danger
Flat-headed Kusimansen are widespread, but not particularly common anywhere. Like other Kusimansen, they are hunted for their meat, otherwise no major threats are known. The IUCN lists the species as "not endangered" ( least concern ).
literature
- JS Gilchrist, AP Jennings, G. Veron and P. Cavallini: Family Herpestidae (Mongooses). In: Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier (eds.): Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 1: Carnivores. Lynx Edicions, 2009, ISBN 978-84-96553-49-1 , pp. 262-329.
Web links
- Crossarchus platycephalus onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved October 20, 2009.