Congo Kusimanse
| Congo Kusimanse | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Crossarchus alexandri | ||||||||||||
| Thomas & Wroughton , 1907 |
The Congo kusimanse ( Crossarchus alexandri ) is a species of predator from the mongoose family (Herpestidae).
features
The Congo Kusimanse is the largest of the four species of Kusimansen , it reaches a head body length of 35 to 44 centimeters, in addition there is a 23 to 32 centimeter long tail. The weight is 1 to 2 kilograms. Your physique is slim and elongated, and your legs are relatively short. The front paws and the rear paws each have five toes, the front paws have well-developed claws. The dark brown fur is dense and shaggy, the top hairs get longer towards the back. There is a noticeable head of hair on the neck and a mane runs along the back.
As with all Kusimansen, the snout is elongated, in the Congo Kusimansen it is longer than in the other Kusimansen. The tooth formula is I 3/3 - C 1 / 1- P 3 / 3- M 2/2, so a total of 36 teeth.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Congo Kusimansen covers large parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between the rivers Ubangi in the north and Kasai in the south, they also live in western Uganda. An isolated population occurs at Mount Elgon . Their habitat are the low-lying rainforests of the Congo basin and mountain forests. In contrast to partially sympatric occurring Angola Kusimanse this type less sensitive to human disturbance.
Way of life
Little is known about the way of life of the Congo Kusimansen. They are mostly diurnal, although they sometimes go for food at night as well. They live in groups of up to 20 animals, the groups roam their territory and have no fixed burrows. The animals communicate with each other with grunting and chirping noises. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as earthworms , snails and beetles , but they also eat small vertebrates and fruits.
Danger
The populations are declining due to hunting for their meat and habitat destruction, but not yet to a worrying extent. 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 alexandri onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved October 20, 2009.