Mammals
African Linsang
Poiana richardsonii · also called oyan
Balancing along a thin branch high above the forest floor, an African linsang trails a ringed tail longer than its own body, its slender, lightweight frame built for a life spent almost entirely out of sight in the rainforest canopy.
Overview
The African linsang, Poiana richardsonii, is native to rainforest habitat across parts of Central Africa. Its elongated, climbing-adapted body, exceptionally long tail, and almost fully arboreal lifestyle make it one of the more specialised and rarely observed members of the civet family found in Africa.
A life spent almost entirely off the ground
Few members of the civet family commit as fully to life in the trees as the African linsang, which rarely descends to the forest floor at all, relying on its long, balance-aiding tail and lightweight build to move confidently through the canopy night after night.
Status
Least Concern, found across suitable rainforest habitat throughout Central Africa, though not well studied overall.
African Linsang: common questions
Is the African linsang closely related to a true civet?
It belongs to the same broad family as civets, Viverridae, but is a distinct, smaller, and more specialised tree-dwelling species with its own genus.
Why does the African linsang have such a long tail?
Its tail can exceed the combined length of its head and body, helping it balance while moving confidently along thin branches high in the forest canopy.
Does the African linsang spend much time on the ground?
No, it is almost entirely arboreal, spending nearly all of its time in trees and rarely coming down to the forest floor.
Where is the African linsang found?
It is native to rainforest habitat across parts of Central Africa.