Main Characteristics

Common Kusimanse have a body length between 30 and 45 cms (12 - 18 inches), a tail length between 15 and 25 cms (6 - 10 inches) and they weigh between 0.45 - 1.4 kgs (1 - 3 lbs).

They are brown/grey in colour and they have a slender body with a short, tapering tail. Their head is long and slender and they have small, rounded ears.

Habitat

Common Kusimanse can be found in the swamplands and forests of western Africa. They live in groups of 10 - 24 individuals and they are active during the day.

Diet

Kusimanse feed on insects, grubs, crabs, small rodents, small reptiles and fruits. They feed in groups of up to 20 individuals, digging in leaf litter and soil to find insects or searching in shallow water for freshwater crabs.

Breeding

Common Kusimanse can produce 2 - 3 litters of young each year. After a gestation period of 8 weeks, 2 - 4 young are born. They are weaned at 3 weeks old and reach sexual maturity at 9 months old.

Predators

Larger carnivores and birds of prey are predators of Kusimanse.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of the Common Kusimanse.

Interesting Facts

Common Kusimanse are also known as:
Long-Nosed Kusimanse
Kusimanse
Common Cusimanse
Long-Nosed Cusimanse
Cusimanse

Common Kusimanse are kept as exotic pets.

Crossarchus is a genus of mongoose, commonly referred to as the Kusimanse or dwarf mongoose.

Similar Animals

Angolan Kusimanse
Alexander's Kusimanse
Flat-Headed Kusimanse