Although in all essential respects a true Viverrine, the Cynogale, or Mampalon, differs very considerably in external appearance from all the members of the family we have hitherto considered. It has none of a Civet’s lithe and slender appearance, but is stout and plump. Its tail is very short, not more than six inches long, or a quarter the length of the head and body, which together attain length of about two feet. The snout is long and pointed, the muzzle bald, and the ears very short; the whiskers are decidedly extensive in their development, for besides the usual hairs on the snout, there are two large bundles of long bristles on the cheeks, one a little in front of and below the eye, the other in front of the ear. The limbs are short and stout, and the digits are five in number, slightly webbed at the base, and provided with short, retractile claws. The close thick fur is of a yellowish-brown colour, lighter on the under side of the head, and over the eyes, and darker on the legs. The mode of progression is nearly plantigrade.
There is not much known of the habits of the Cynogale, except that it frequents the neighbourhood of water, and is also a good climber. It is found in the island of Borneo.
THE CYNICTIS.[200]
This animal, a near relative of the Ichneumons, is found in South Africa, where it is represented by three species. The head and body attain a length of about half a yard; the tail of about a foot. The pelage is smooth, of a reddish colour, darker on the head and limbs; the tail is bushy, of a greyish colour, and tipped with white. There are five toes on the fore foot, three on the hind foot.
MANGUE.
THE MANGUE.[201]
The Crossarchus, Mangue, or Kusimanse, presents a good deal of resemblance to the Cynogale, but differs from it in having rough fur and a comparatively long tail. It is also a much smaller animal, not exceeding fourteen or fifteen inches in length from snout to root of tail, which latter appendage is about eight inches in length. The body is thick and stout; the fur brown, becoming lighter on the head; the ears are short, and the snout is long and flexible, projecting some distance beyond the mouth, somewhat like that of the Coati. The secretion of the tail glands is very fetid.
The single species of Crossarchus is found in tropical Africa. Very little is known of its habits in a wild state; in captivity it soon becomes tame, and seems to prefer animal to vegetable food.