African linsang

African Linsang[1]
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Viverridae
Genus:	Poiana
Species:	P. richardsonii
Binomial name
Poiana richardsonii Thomson, 1842
African linsang range

The African linsang (Poiana richardsonii), or oyan, is a catlike mammal that belongs to the civet family(Viverridae).^[1]

Habitat

The African linsang is a largely arboreal creature and inhabits dense forests and jungles. It is endemic to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo.^[1] They have also been known to live at heights of 950m in Zaire and at 300-500m in North-east Gabon.^[3]

Characteristics

Like all linsangs, African linsangs vary in colour, but resemble an elongated cat. They grow to a length of 33–43 cm (13–17 inches) for both sexs, excluding a banded tail that is almost as long, and have slender bodies, relatively narrow heads, elongated muzzles, retractile claws, and dense, close fur.^[4] They weigh only 500-700 grams. African linsangs' are white or cream in color on their ventral side while the dorsal sides have dark circular marks. Sometimes, an individual can have a black thin stripe that runs from the nose to the root of the tail. Its tail holds 10 to 14 rings which differ in measurement. This linsang also has soles that are full of hair.^[5]

Activity

It is an omnivore and eats insects and young birds as well as fruits, nuts, and other vegetation. It is thought that they could also take small vertebrates, but it is safe to assume they would only eat them only if the opportunity rises, as they it is not likely they would hunt for them.^[6] Although its breeding habits are largely unknown, it is thought that it gives birth to two or three young annually or semiannually.^[7] When born they are altricial. They can live to be about 5.3 years on average in the wild. The African linsang is nocturnal, and lives either alone or with another linsang. They construct arboreal nests 2 meters above the ground with green materials. They only stay in one nest for a short amount of time before moving on to make a new nest. Very rarely will many linsangs stay in the same nesting place as another linsang.

Species

There are two other species of linsang, banded linsang (Prionodon linsang), and the spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor).^[8]

Risk

The African linsang is considered a species of Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk and does not qualify for a more at risk category. Taxa are included in the category because their widespread and abundance on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its only known predator are humans. Larger carnivores, owls and snakes are thought to be some of its non-human predators but none have been observed.^[9]

References