West African linsang

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West African linsang
Systematics
Order : Predators (Carnivora)
Subordination : Feline (Feliformia)
Family : Crawling cats (Viverridae)
Subfamily : Genettinae
Genre : Pojanas ( Poiana )
Type : West African linsang
Scientific name
Poiana Leightoni
Pocock , 1908

The West African linsang ( Poiana leightoni ) is a species of the stealthy cat family . It is one of two species of the African linsangs ( Poiana ) and is restricted to the rainforests of Liberia and the Ivory Coast . For a long time it was considered a subspecies of the Central African linsong , but today it is considered an independent species.

features

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Tooth formula of the West African Linsang

Like the Asian Linsang and the Central African Linsang, the West African Linsang is a very slim and small crawling cat. The basic color is yellowish-brown on the top and whitish on the underside. Above it is a pattern of irregular, dark spots. The tail is curled darkly. A dark stripe runs along the back line, which can be interrupted at times. The head body length is 30–38 cm, the tail length 35–40 cm. The body weight is 500–700 g.

Distribution area

Distribution area of ​​the West African linsong

The West African Linsang inhabits the rainforests of Liberia and the Ivory Coast . From the Ivory Coast, the species has only been proven by two finds from the southern parts of the country. In Liberia, she lives in the east of the country. Several references are available for this area. It is unclear whether the species also occurs in the Kounounkan massif in southwest Guinea.

Systematics

The West African linsang was formerly considered a form of the Central African linsang, which was then commonly referred to as the African linsang. Central African and West African linsang are now considered separate species of the genus Poiana .

Way of life

It is assumed that the diet consists of insects, birds and parts of plants. Almost nothing is known about the behavior. According to reports, he is building a sleeping nest from parts of plants, which is at least 2 m above the ground in trees.

Danger

The species is only known from a few museum specimens. The last known evidence is two pelts collected in eastern Liberia in 1988. No precise information is available about the current status of the population, which is why the risk situation is unclear. The status is therefore listed by the IUCN under Data Deficient (insufficient data). Due to the rare evidence, it can be assumed that the inventory numbers are low. The trend is apparently downwards. The deforestation of the rainforests is likely to affect the species. It shares this fate with the Liberia mongoose and the Liberia genette , both of which are also restricted to the remnants of the rainforest in the region. Hunting for the extraction of bushmeat is also likely to pose a certain threat. The West African linsang could be found in Sangbé National Park in Ivory Coast. The Sapo National Park in Liberia should be part of the distribution area.

supporting documents

  1. a b c d e Jennings, AP & Veron, J .: Family Viverridae (Civets, Genets, and Oyans) In: Don E. Wilson & Russel Mittermeier (eds.): Handbook of the Mammals of the World Volume 1: Carnivores . Lynx Edicions. 2009. p. 215. ISBN 978-84-96553-49-1
  2. a b Poiana leigh toni in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2011. Posted by: Van Rompaey, H., Gaubert, P. Dunham, A. & Hoffmann, M., 2008. Accessed January 8, 2012th

Web links

Commons : West African Linsang ( Poiana leightoni )  - collection of images, videos, and audio files