The long-nosed mongoose ( Xenogale naso) is a mongoose native to wetlands and rainforests. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 1996.[ Although formerly classified in Herpestes, more recent studies indicate that it belongs in the monotypic taxon Xenogale.]
Distribution and habitat
The long-nosed mongoose is native to and from the Niger Delta in Nigeria, Cameroon to the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has been recorded from sea level up to an elevation of .[
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It is one of the most water dependent species.
Behaviour and ecology
The long-nose mongoose is usually solitary and lives in a home range of . It moves up to daily in this area foraging for food. It chooses different locations as night-time resting places.
Threats
The long-nosed mongoose's habitat is fragmented because of logging, mining, and slash-and-burn agricultural practices.[
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In Gabon, it is hunted for sale in bushmeat markets.
