Flat-headed kusimanse

Flat-headed kusimanse
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Suborder:	Feliformia
Family:	Herpestidae
Genus:	Crossarchus
Species:	C. platycephalus
Binomial name
	Crossarchus platycephalus; Goldman, 1984
	Flat-headed kusimanse range

The flat-headed kusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus) is a mongoose species endemic to West African rainforests. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2008.^[1]

Distribution

The species is native to central Africa extends from southern Benin and southern Nigeria via Cameroon to the Central African Republic and the northwest of the Republic of the Congo.^[2]

Description

The species is very similar to the dark kusimanse^{[clarification needed]}, but differ in skull. Flat-headed kusimanse has a mane of the neck. Head to body length is 30 to 36 cm, the tail measures 16 to 21 cm. Male is slightly larger than female and the weigh about 1.5 kg. Female weighs about 0.5 kg. Body is slender and elongated with a relatively short tail and legs. There are five toes in front and rear paws with the front paws have strong claws. The dark, shaggy fur is dark brown or black in color. Dental formula is I 3/3 - C 1 / 1- P 3 / 3- M 2/2.^[2]

Ecology

Habitat is mainly the undergrowth of tropical rainforests and riparian forests. Very common in human habitations such as fields in the Niger Delta. It can be easily tamed where it is a cooperative with humans.^[2]

Very little is known about their way of life. They are probably diurnal and live in groups that roam around their territory without a fixed structure. They look for food, invertebrates and small vertebrates, on the forest floor or in rotted tree trunks.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b Angelici, F.M.; Do Linh San, E. (2016). "Crossarchus platycephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T41596A45205626. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41596A45205626.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d JS Gilchrist; AP Jennings; G. Veron; P. Cavallini (2009). Family Herpestidae (Mongooses). In: Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier (eds.): Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 1: Carnivores. Lynx Edicions: Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. pp. 262–329. ISBN 978-84-96553-49-1.