Leighton's linsang
The West African Linsang ( Poiana toni leigh ) is a species of the family of civets. He is one of two species of African Linsangs ( Poiana ) and is confined to the rain forests of Liberia and the Ivory Coast. A long time he was considered a subspecies of the Central African Linsangs, but he is now regarded as a separate article
Features
As the Asian Linsangs and the Central African Linsang also, the West African Linsang is a very slim and small civet. The basic color is yellowish brown on the upper side, lower side whitish. Furthermore, there is a pattern of irregular dark spots. The tail is curled dark. Along the back line is a dark stripe, which can be interrupted at times. The body length is 30-38 cm, tail length 35-40 cm. Body weight of 500-700 g
Distribution area
The West African Linsang inhabits the rainforests of Liberia and the Ivory Coast. From the Ivory Coast, the species is detected only by two finds from the southern parts of the country. In Liberia, they inhabited the east of the country. From this area are several proofs. Whether the type over it also occurs in southwestern Guinea in Kounounkan massif, is unclear.
System
The West African Linsang was once thought to form the Central African Linsangs, which was then commonly referred to as African Linsang. Meanwhile, Central African and West African Linsang considered a unique species of the genus Poiana.
Way of life
It is believed that the food from insects, birds and plant parts composed. About the behavior is as good as nothing is known. According to reports, he builds a sleeping nest from plant parts, at least 2 m located in trees above the ground.
Endangering
The species is known only from a few museum specimens. The last known evidence are two skins which were collected in 1988 in eastern Liberia. About the current stock situation is no precise information, so the threat situation is unclear. The status is therefore guided by the IUCN Data Deficient ( insufficient data ). Due to the rare evidence, one can assume that the population numbers are low. The trend is apparently sinking. Probably set the type to the deforestation of the rainforests. This is a fate it shares with the Liberian mongoose and the Liberia Genette, both of which are also restricted to the rain forest remnants in the region. Even hunting for the extraction of bushmeat is likely to pose a certain threat. The West African Linsang could occur in the Ivory Coast in Sangbé National Park. The Sapo National Park in Liberia is likely to belong to the area of distribution.