The Angolan kusimanse (''Crossarchus ansorgei''), also known as Ansorge's kusimanse, is a
species of small
mongoose. There are two recognized
subspecies
In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...
: ''C. a. ansorgei'', found in
Angola; and ''C. a. nigricolor'', found in
DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (french: République démocratique du Congo (RDC), colloquially "La RDC" ), informally Congo-Kinshasa, DR Congo, the DRC, the DROC, or the Congo, and formerly and also colloquially Zaire, is a country in ...
, which do not have overlapping ranges. It prefers
rainforest
Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...
type
habitat, and avoids regions inhabited by humans. It grows to 12–18 inches in length, with a 6–10 inch long
tail, and weighs 1–3 lb. Little is known about this species of
kusimanse, and there are no estimates of its wild population numbers or status.
Until 1984, the species was only known from two specimens from
Baringa but are now thought to be quite common in some regions. Threats are probably
habitat loss and bushmeat hunting. However, this species is protected by
Salonga National Park.
References
External links
University of Rome: ''Crossarchus ansorgei''
Angolan kusimanse
Mammals of Angola
Mammals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Angolan kusimanse
Angolan kusimanse
{{carnivora-stub