Angolan kusimanse
The Angola - Kusimanse ( Crossarchus ansorgei ) is a carnivore from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ).
Features
Angola Kusimansen like all Kusimansen slim, short-legged animals with a dark, shaggy coat and an elongated snout. The body length is from 32 to 36 inches, the tail measures 21 to 22 inches, weight is 0.6 to 1.5 kg. The subspecies C. a ansorgei has a reddish- brown fur with a brown undercoat, the face is brighter, but not numbered. The subspecies C. a nigricolor has a black coat and white stripes on her face from the corners to extend below the ear. The front and hind feet each terminating in five toes, forepaws wear long, sharp claws.
The muzzle is extended as with all Kusimansen, but shorter than for the other species. The ears are small, rounded and closed. The dental formula is I 3/ 3 - C 1/1- 3/3- P M 2 /2, for a total of 36 teeth.
Distribution and habitat
Angola Kusimansen live in middle Africa. The subspecies C. a ansorgei is only known from a single specimen, the north of the Cuanza was found in Angola. The subspecies C. a nigricolor is spread southeast of the rivers Congo and Lualaba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their habitat are rainforests exclusively, in contrast to the partially sympatric Congo Kusimanse it is never found in the vicinity of man.
Way of life
Little is known about the lifestyle of the Angola - Kusimansen. Presumably they are diurnal and live in groups of up to 20 animals that inhabit no fixed burrows, but roam in their area. They are carnivorous, looking at the forest floor for food. They feed on both invertebrates such as insects and their larvae, but also of small vertebrates and their eggs.
Endangering
By 1984, the species was known only from two animals of the southern subspecies C. a ansorgei was in addition to the type specimen hitherto found no other representative. The northern subspecies C. a regional basis nigricolor is relatively common. The threats to the species are thought to involve the destruction of their habitat and hunting for their meat. The IUCN lists the species under "too little data available " ( data deficient ), but suggests that further research might show that the species is not endangered.