Black-footed mongoose
The Schwarzfußmanguste ( Bdeogale nigripes ) also Schwarzfußichneumon, is a predatory species from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). It inhabits the forests of central Africa, north of the Congo and feeds primarily on insects and other small animals.
Features
The Schwarzfußmanguste is a grayish, relatively light colored Mongoose. However, the eponymous black legs also occur in other mongooses of the genus Bdeogale. The 35-40 cm long tail is white but less bushy than for typical mongoose. With a head-body length of 55-65 cm and a body weight of about 2-3.5 kg, the Schwarzfußmanguste is a relatively large species within the mongooses and the largest species in the genus. The upper canines are specially trained in this type of long and strong.
Distribution and habitat
The habitat of Schwarzfußmanguste are tropical lowland forests west of the Rift Valley, they settled down to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and to Nigeria into. South of the Congo River appears to be the type to be missing. The following countries harboring populations of Schwarzfußmanguste: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria.
Food
The Schwarzfußmanguste feeds primarily on ants, especially army ants ( Dorylus, Myrmecaria ), but also eats other insects and snails, crabs, and occasionally small vertebrates. Every now and then be eaten by even fallen fruit.
Hazardous situation
The Schwarzfußmanguste is considered by some scientists to be rare, but appears in the east and south of the circulation area to be particularly relatively common. Overall, the stocks are diminishing because of habitat destruction and hunting. However, the species is not endangered ( "Least Concern" ). One finds the Schwarzfußmanguste example, in the Okapi National Park ( DRC) and in the Dzanga - Sangha Reserve ( CAR).