Head to head
African Linsang vs Banded Linsang
The African linsang and banded linsang look remarkably alike and share a similar slender, agile build, but they live on different continents and carry very different evolutionary stories, with the banded linsang considered an unusually close relative of true cats.
| African Linsang | Banded Linsang | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Poiana richardsonii | Prionodon linsang |
| Evolutionary ties | A member of the civet family | Considered one of the closest living relatives of true cats |
| Lifestyle | Almost entirely arboreal | Agile climber, hunts in trees and on the ground |
| Tail | Longer than its own body | Not specifically noted as unusually long |
| Coat pattern | Not a distinctive banded pattern | Bold dark bands across a pale background |
| Diet | Carnivore, small vertebrates and insects | Carnivore, small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles |
| Native range | Central Africa | Southeast Asia |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Linsang vs Banded Linsang: common questions
Are the African linsang and banded linsang the same species?
No, despite their very similar appearance and slender, agile build, they are distinct species found on different continents, the African linsang in Central Africa and the banded linsang in Southeast Asia.
Which linsang is more closely related to cats?
The banded linsang, which some researchers consider one of the closest living relatives of true cats, a surprising evolutionary relationship given how closely it resembles a typical civet, including the African linsang.
Where are the African linsang and banded linsang found?
The African linsang is native to rainforest habitat across parts of Central Africa, while the banded linsang is native to forest and rainforest habitat across Southeast Asia.