Marsh mongoose

The Sumpfmanguste, Wassermanguste or Sumpfichneumon ( Atilax paludinosus ) is an African type of mongoose, which has been particularly well adapted to aquatic habitats.

Features

The Sumpfmanguste is quite a large Mangustenart reaching a weight from 2.5 to 4.2 kg, and a total length of 80 to 100 cm. 30 to 40 cm are accounted for by the bushy tail. The long, rough fur is uniformly dark brown, sometimes reddish or almost black, small round ears lying close to the head. Is also characterized by the short snout and webbed toes, which can also be seen at their kick seals. The brain is relatively large, which is probably related to their good sense of touch, the Mongoose these needs in search of food.

Distribution area

The Sumpfmanguste is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and in many areas still quite common. You lack in very dry regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the arid regions of Southern Africa. This is partly due to persecution by humans and their use of the riverine areas in these regions.

Way of life

Although they occasionally removed also quite far from the water, you will find these Mongoose but mostly near rivers, swamps, reed beds and coastal regions. The nocturnal and crepuscular loner is a good swimmer who hunts mainly crabs, crabs, frogs, small mammals and fish. Even the remains of larger mammals, such as cane rats, hyrax and Blauduckern regularly found in the feces of the small predator. However, the Mongoose could they have been found dead and eaten as carrion. Various invertebrates such as giant Kugler ( genus Sphaerotherium ), reptiles, eggs and fruits are also eaten. Through their adaptation to humid, aquatic habitats and their food habits near the Sumpfmanguste the competition goes by other mongoose out of the way. But because it moves close up to the niche of otter. Compared to otters mainly eat fish and crabs, but Sumpfmangusten are opportunistic and a large part of their diet also consists of land animals.

The home ranges of Sumpfmangusten are mostly in strip form along water shores. Your feces they regularly set off at certain latrines, which are usually not far from water. Sumpfmangusten know how many tropical species no fixed breeding season. The females can have up to 3 boy several times in year 1. After 10 to 20 days they open their eyes and after a month they already eat solid food.

Hazardous situation

The Sumpfmanguste by the World Conservation Union IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as not at risk ( "Least Concern" ) assessed.