Atilax paludinosus spadiceus

(Cabrera, 1921)

Vernacular names
English : Marsh mongoose
French : Mangouste des marais

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Herpestidae
Notes : 10 other subspecies known.

Identification
One of the largest mongoose species, reaching a body length of 51 cm, tail of 41 cm and weight of 4 kg. Bushy tail. Shaggy and thick hairs. Coloration is dark brown with blackish areas. Large pinkish nose, lips and chin are clear.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of subsaharan Africa, except desert areas, from Senegal to Sudan, south to Angola and to South Africa. Subspecies found in western central Africa. Lives in swampy areas, forests near swamps and streams, estuaries, to 2500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is still relatively common and has a large range. Often hunted for bushmeat. Destruction of swamps is a long term concern.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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