Range Extension and Behavioural Observations of the Flat‐Headed Cusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus) in Gabon

Citation

McQuade J, Nguelet F, Lilian Brice M, Abernethy K, Cusack J, Do Linh San E, Lehmann D, Midoko Iponga D, Trouvé C, Whytock R & Akomo‐Okoue E (2024) Range Extension and Behavioural Observations of the Flat‐Headed Cusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus) in Gabon. African Journal of Ecology, 62 (4), Art. No.: e13332. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13332

Abstract
The present work reports on new records of the flat-headed or Cameroon cusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus) obtained from camera trap surveys carried out between 2021 and 2023 in central and northwestern Gabon. These records—in the form of high-definition videos—extend the southern limit of the species' known range by 172 km, as well as provide additional evidence of group living and co-occurrence with the blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) and moustached guenon (Cercopithecus cephus). These findings suggest that C. platycephalus may be more widespread than previously thought in Gabon, and that a review of existing camera trap datasets could help determine its precise distribution and habitat requirements.

Keywords
behaviour; camera trap; carnivore; central Africa; group size; mongoose; occurrence; tropical forest

Journal
African Journal of Ecology: Volume 62, Issue 4

• McQuade Et Al Figure 1
• McQuade Et Al Supporting Information
• McQuade Et Al Table 1