| Long-nosed mongoose | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Herpestidae |
| Genus: | Xenogale Allen, 1919 |
| Species: | |
| Binomial name | |
| Xenogale naso[1][2] (de Winton, 1901) | |
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| Long-nosed mongoose range | |
Thelong-nosed mongoose (Xenogale naso) is amongoose native toCentral African wetlands and rainforests. It has been listed asLeast Concern on theIUCN Red List since 1996.[3] Although formerly classified inHerpestes, more recent studies indicate that it belongs in themonotypic taxonXenogale.[4][5]
The long-nosed mongoose is native towetlands andrainforests from theNiger Delta inNigeria,Cameroon to theCentral African Republic,Equatorial Guinea,Gabon, theRepublic of the Congo and theDemocratic Republic of the Congo. It has been recorded from sea level up to an elevation of 640 m (2,100 ft).[3]
It is one of the most water dependent species.[6]
The long-nose mongoose is usually solitary and lives in a home range of 41–46 ha (100–110 acres). It moves up to 4,600 m (15,100 ft) daily in this area foraging for food. It chooses different locations as night-time resting places.[7]
The long-nosed mongoose's habitat is fragmented because oflogging,mining, andslash-and-burn agricultural practices.[3]
In Gabon, it is hunted for sale inbushmeat markets.[8]
