Liberian mongoose

Description

Liberiictis kuhni) is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family (Herpestidae).It is the only member of the genus Liberiictis.Phylogenetic analysis has shown that the Liberian mongoose is closely related other small,social mongooses and that the banded mongoose is its closest relative.It was discovered in Liberia in 1958.Little was known about the animal,except what local natives related.They typically forage in packs consisting of 3-8 individuals,but larger groups have been observed.Their diet consists of earthworms and various insects.The exact distribution is unknown,but may extend from Sierra Leone to Côte d'Ivoire.Confirmed sightings are restricted to forests in Liberia and the Tai National Park in Côte d'Ivoire.Human activity such as mining,agriculture,hunting and logging has displaced the Liberian mongoose from its previous range.A live specimen was exhibited at the Toronto Zoo,but civil war in Liberia has prevented further study.Due to its limited range and the fact that it is heavily hunted,the Liberian mongoose is considered endangered.