The Liberian mongoose (Liberiictis kuhni) is a medium-sized mongoose that was only described relatively recently. This elusive, forest-dwelling species was first discovered in 1958, when skull samples collected in Liberia were found to differ from those of other mongoose species. It was noticed that the skull of the Liberian mongoose was larger and more elongated compared to those of known species, and the teeth were proportionally smaller and weaker, which is likely to be an adaptation to a diet of earthworms. The skulls also showed that the Liberian mongoose has 40 teeth, compared to 36 in other closely related species.
The physical appearance of the Liberian mongoose remained a mystery until 1974, when the first dead specimens were collected. Compared to related mongoose species, the Liberian mongoose is larger, with longer ears and a more pointed nose. Its long front claws suggest that this species exhibits burrowing behaviour.
The entire body of the Liberian mongoose is covered in dark brown fur, and two light brown stripes divided by a blackish-brown stripe extend down the neck from the ear to the shoulder. The tail is bushy, and becomes gradually narrower towards the tip. Both the male and female are similar in appearance. |
