Gambian mongoose
| Gambian mongoose | ||||||||||||
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Gambian mongoose ( Mungos gambianus ) |
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| Mongoose gambianus | ||||||||||||
| ( Ogilby , 1835) |
The Gambian mongoose ( Mungos gambianus ) is a species of predator from the mongoose family (Herpestidae).
features
Gambian mongooses are similar to the closely related zebra mongooses, but differ in the lack of bright horizontal stripes. Their coarse fur is colored gray-brown, the only mark is a dark stripe on the neck that extends from the ear to the foreleg. The dark paws are hairless up to the ankles, the tail is relatively short and pointed, its tip is black. The muzzle is short, the tooth formula is I 3 / 3- C 1 / 1- P 3 / 3- M 2/2, a total of 36 teeth. The animals reach a head body length of 30 to 45 centimeters, a tail length of 23 to 29 centimeters and a weight of 1 to 2.2 kilograms. No gender dimorphism can be seen.
distribution and habitat
Gambian mongooses are native to western Africa , their range extends from Senegal and Gambia to Nigeria . Their habitat are primarily more humid savannas , sometimes they are also in drier semi-deserts or in forests.
Way of life
Gambian mongooses live in groups of up to 40 animals (an average of 6.7 animals), which consist of several males and females. They build burrows in hollow tree trunks, old termite burrows or abandoned burrows of other animals, for example those of aardvark . The animals are diurnal and look for food together. They communicate with each other: a bird-like chirping serves to bring the group members together, while a louder, higher chirping is used as an alarm signal. If two groups meet, it can lead to fierce fighting.
Gambian mongooses feed primarily on invertebrates such as beetles and podipods . They also eat vertebrates such as rodents and lizards , but also bird eggs and other things. The groups mainly go in search of food in the early morning and late evening, and can cover two to three kilometers a day.
Nothing is known about reproduction.
threat
Gambian mongooses are widespread and locally common. No major threats are known, they are sometimes hunted for their meat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN) lists the species in the Red List of Endangered 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.
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999 ISBN 0801857899
Web links
- Mungos gambianus onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Posted by: Van Rompaey, H., Sillero-Zubiri, C. & Hoffmann, M., 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2010.