Tree pangolins (Manis tricuspis) exist throughout much of West Africa, inhabiting tropical forests as well as farmland and open savanna. They belong to a family of seven species, which are best described as scaled anteaters. They are unusual-looking animals, with overlapping golden-brown scales instead of fur and a long prehensile tail used for moving about in trees. Primarily insectivores, tree pangolins do not have teeth and instead rely on their powerful stomach muscles and grinding material like sand to break down their food. Solitary and nocturnal animals, they spend most of their time traveling alone in search of meals, gathering only to mate. Tree pangolins are endangered due to the bush meat trade and habitat loss.
Found in tropical forests throughout West Africa, the African golden cat (Profelis aurata) is an elusive and little understood species. It is a medium-sized cat, weighing approximately 30-pounds and measuring three feet long on average. Although their name suggests that they are golden in color they actually express a wide variety of color traits, from reddish-brown to gold to solid black. Occasionally, specimens will exhibit spotting on their coats or on their belly. They are mainly nocturnal animals, although they occasionally emerge during daylight hours to hunt birds, rodents and small antelopes. Because so little data exists regarding the African golden cat it is not known if they are endangered, although extensive habitat loss throughout much of their range suggests that some populations are declining.
Spotted-necked otters (Lutra maculicollis) have a large range, from sub-Saharan areas to dense tropical forests throughout much of central and West Africa. They are freshwater otters, preferring fast-moving rivers with rocky beds, although they are sometimes found in swamps, lakes and man-made waterways. Reaching three feet in length and weighing approximately 20 pounds, spotted-necked otters are one of the smallest species of freshwater otter. They are carnivorous and feed mainly on fish and other aquatic creatures such as frogs, mollusks and insects. Named for distinctive spotting on their throats, they are reddish- to chocolate-brown with lithe bodies and powerful webbed feet. Extremely playful animals, spotted-necked otters sometimes come together in groups to play despite being mainly solitary.
The water chevrotain (Hyemoschus aquaticus) is an unusual deer-like animal that inhabits tropical rain forests in West Africa. They weigh just 20 pounds on average and reach a maximum length of less than 3 feet, with a stocky body and slender, tapering legs. Their coat is reddish-brown with pale dappling, which acts as an effective camouflage during the day when they rest. The two most distinct characteristics of the water chevrotain are its striking V-shaped markings and elongated, fang-like teeth. They dwell primarily near water and have a small range, with females remaining within a 34-acre territory and males having a range roughly double that. Although they are mainly herbivorous, this species sometimes feeds on crustaceans and even small mammals.
