Selous' mongoose

Trugmanguste ( Paracynictis selousi )

The Trugmanguste ( Paracynictis selousi ), also called Selous Mongoose, anyone living in the southern African carnivore species from the mongoose family is ( Herpestidae ). It is one of the few types of mongooses that were never explored closely, there is comparatively little is known about their behavior and claims.

Features

Trugmangusten resemble the Fuchsmangusten, but are much larger. They reach a body length 39-47 cm, a tail length from 28 to 40 centimeters and a weight of 1.4 to 2.2 kilograms. As with all Mangusten her body is elongated and relatively short limbs. Their fur is gray, the feet are black and the tail ends in a white tip. Each foot ends in four toes, which are equipped with long curved claws.

Distribution and habitat

These animals live in southern Africa. Their range extends from Angola, Malawi and Zambia to Mozambique and eastern South Africa. Their habitat is open forests and bush country.

Way of life

About the lifestyle of Trugmangusten little is known. With their large claws, they dig labyrinthine burrows where they spend the day. At night, they go looking for food, which they usually reside on the ground. To their prey include insects, frogs, lizards and small rodents.

There are shy and reclusive animals. In case of threat they face from a strictly smelling secretion from the anal glands, the white tail tip could - similar to the Skunks - act as a warning signal.

Hazardous situation

The Trugmanguste is led by the World Conservation Union IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, it is not referred to there as endangered ( "Least Concern" ).