Long-nosed mongoose
The Langnasenmanguste ( Xenogale naso ) is a carnivore from the mongoose family ( Herpestidae ). It is limited in its distribution to the Central African rainforest block. Previously, it was to the genus Herpestes, but this is now rejected on the basis of genetic analyzes.
Features
The Langnasenmanguste is a large, dark-colored Mongoose with a long snout. It reaches a head -body length of 40-61 cm, a tail length of 32 to 42.5 cm and a body weight of 1.9 to 4.5 kg. The top coat on top is speckled black and brown and yellowish or orange, to relatively long and rough. The undercoat is gray-brown to orange brown. The fur on the belly is lighter overall and thinner. At the top of the coat is grayish. The right long-haired tail and legs are black or brownish black. The feet carry long claws and webbed indicated.
Dissemination
The distribution of Langnasenmanguste covers the entire rainforest block of Central Africa. Here they are found in Southeast Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Habitat
The Langnasenmanguste preferred woods near swamps, riverine forests and river beds, but also occurs in slightly higher forest areas. They have been detected up to an altitude of 640 m. A study in the Dzanga - Sangha region revealed that the Langnasenmanguste that have been previously classified as a rare species in this area is the most common predator. The Langnasenmanguste inhabited here especially something higher altitude forests, while the occurrence of similar Sumpfmanguste is limited to low-lying swamp forests. In riverine forest overlap the habitats of both species.
Way of life
The food of Langnasenmanguste consists mainly of arthropods and small mammals. In addition, she also eats fruits, amphibians, snakes, birds, lizards and fish. Only rarely constituents of larger animals such as duikers are found in the feces of Langnasenmanguste. The species is mainly diurnal. At night, the animals rest mostly in changing shelters. Langnasenmangusten move mostly on the ground and generally live as a loner. Only rarely couples are observed. Little is known about the reproductive behavior. A litter of three boys has been demonstrated. With about seven years, the boy reach the size of the full-grown animals.
System
The Langnasenmanguste was originally classified in the genus Herpestes. Genetic studies, however, showed a relatively close relationship to Sumpfmanguste, which belongs to a separate genus Atilax. Meanwhile, it is therefore treated as a single species of the genus Xenogale. Originally three subspecies of Langnasenmanguste have been described. These can, however, do not differ morphologically and are therefore not accepted.
Threat and protection
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN) classifies the Indian mongoose one as " not at risk " ( least concern ). The species is sometimes hunted for their meat by humans. In the Niger Delta it seems to be rare.