taxonID	type	description	language	source
5F4E87D7FFEAFFB71B95FDE42EBCFABA.taxon	diagnosis	• Small to medium-sized with relatively thick, silky, long pelage; relatively small eyes; otter-shaped heads and bodies; broad muzzles; flatten nose shields; short ears; and short legs. • 20 - 60 cm. • Afrotropical Region. • Small rivers and streams in tropical forests up to midelevations mountains. • 2 genera, 3 species, 3 taxa. • No species threatened; none Extinct since 1600.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	materials_examined	“ Ziéla, dans une savane au pied du Nimba [= savanna at the foot of Mt. Nimbal], altitude 550 m, ” Guinea. This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemic to the Upper Guinea rainforest zone with its distribution centered on Mt Nimba (SE Guinea, N & E Liberia, and E Ivory Coast).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 120 - 155 mm, tail 95 - 134 mm, ear 9 - 11 mm, hindfoot 19 - 21 mm; weight 32 - 95 g. The Nimba Otter-shrewis small and rat-sized and superficially resembles a large shrew. Fur is soft, rather shaggy, and grayish brown to black dorsally, with paler bases to individual hairs. Dorsal pelage is sprinkled with long pale-tippedhair, giving it a slightly grizzled appearance when dry. Ventral pelage is similar to dorsal pelage, but hairs are slightly paler, only noticeable when pelage is dry. When wet, the Nimba Otter-shrew looks uniformly dark brown or black. Headis relatively large, with broad muzzle covered with long vibrissae; eyes are small. Ears are typically shrew-like and relatively small. Tail is thick, similar to head-bodylength and sparsely covered with long hair along its entire length. Limbs are short and similar in color to dorsum, with five digits on forefeet and hindfeet. Second and third digits of hindfeet are fused to form comb used for grooming. No webbing occurs between digits on forefeet or hindfeet.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams and wetlands in rainforest, typically in upland, hilly areas above elevations of 400 m but sometimes as low as 200 m. Most records of Nimba Ottershrews are from forested streams, but they have occasionally been captured in rice fields adjacent to blocks offorest. Clear water appears to be an important habitat requirement because Nimba Otter-shrews seem to disappearfrom streams after mining activity has increased turbidity of water. Thick vegetation along banks ofstreams also appears to be an important habitat requirement.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Nimba Otter-shrew mostly eats crabs, which are capturedin the water but consumed on land. Crabs are attacked from the rear presumably to prevent injury frompincers, andskeletonis crushed atjunction ofcephalothorax and abdomen. Fish and insects are also eaten, but crabs are preferred over other aquatic prey. Tadpoles and small mammals are not eaten. Daily consumption in captivity was c. 40 g offish.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	breeding	Breeding. A pregnant female Nimba Otter-shrew was recorded during the dry season in December. Averagelittersize is 2 - 6 young. Gestation is morethan 50 days. Young are born naked. Eyes open after 23 days, and solid food is eaten after 40 days.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Nimba Otter-shrews are nocturnal and mostly aquatic. Foraging activities begin after sunset, and individuals return to burrows before sunrise. Despite lack offlattenedtail and webbedfeet, Nimba Otter-shrews are strong swimmers.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Nimba Otter-shrewis almost entirely aquatic in its foraging activities. Radio-taggedindividuals traveled 300 m or more upstream and downstreamofsite of capture. Movement is confinedto streams, with almost no movement away from water. It appears to bea solitary forager, seldom encountering other otter-shrews. It makes regular underwater foraging dives that maylast for 2 - 5 minutes; destressed individuals can remain submergedfor up to 15 minutes.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB61AAEF82D2F34F4EB.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCNRed List, but will be uplisted to Vulnerable in 2018. The Nimba Otter-shrew has a global extent of occurrence ofjust 14,725 km?, centered on Mount Nimba, with two small outlying populations (Sérédou in Guinea and Putu Hills in Liberia). It is currently under threat mostly from habitat loss and degradation. Its mountain stream habitat is under increasing pressure from slash-and-burn agriculture and mining. Mining activities, in particular, negatively affect presence of the Nimba Otter-shrew, presumably by clearing riparian vegetation and introducing sediments that increase turbidity of water.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	materials_examined	Mustora, Talya River, western slopes of Mt. Rwenzori, DR Congo, 1100 - 1200 m. This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemicto the AlbertineRift, including E DR Congo, W Uganda, and SW Rwanda (Nyungwe Forest National Park).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 130 - 200 mm, tail 123 - 150 mm, ear 10 - 14 mm, hindfoot 26 - 29 mm; weight 75 - 135 g. The Rwenzori Ottershrewis small and ratsized and superficially resembles a large shrew. Fur is soft, and dark brown to black dorsally, with gray-based hair. Ventral pelageis similar to dorsal pelage, but hairs are slightly paler, only noticeable when dry. When wet, the Rwenzori Ottershrew looks uniformly dark brown or black. Head is relatively large, with broad muzzle covered with long vibrissae; eyes are small. Ears are typically shrewlike and relatively small. Tailis thick, similar to head-body length, and sparsely covered with long hairs along its entire length. Limbs are short and similar in color to dorsum, with five digits on forefeet and hindfeet. Second and third digits of hindfeet are fused to form comb used for grooming. Webbing is present between digits of forefeet and hindfeet.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams and wetlands in various forest types in upland, mountainous areas at elevations of 800 - 2200 m. The Rwenzori Otter-Shrew is associated with rainforest at lower elevations and montane forest at higher elevations, butit also occurs in gallery forest and adjacent to wooded savanna in disturbed environments.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Rwenzori Otter-shrew eats crabs, fish, aquatic worms, and insects. It consumes ¢. 60 % ofits body weight per night.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is little information available, but litters of Rwenzori Otter-shrews have 1 - 2 young. Births have been recorded in April.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Rwenzori Otter-shrews are nocturnal and mostly aquatic. They forage in multiple bouts per night, followed by periods of grooming. Webbed feet suggest strong adaptation for an aquatic lifestyle. They swim by paddling with their limbs, using webbed feet in alternating strokes. When diving, feet can be used synchronously. Tail is not flattened and not used for propulsion.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFEBFFB51FB7F4792820F916.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Although the Rwenzori Otter-shrew is not currently under conservation threat, it does occur in stream habitats that are sensitive to degradation by increased soil erosion resulting from deforestation.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	materials_examined	“ mountains of the interior, or in the hilly country ... north and south of the equator, ” Gabon. This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Central rainforest zone from the extreme SE tip of Nigeria, E through S Central African Republic to W Uganda and S to N Angola, S DR Congo, and NW Zambia, with an outlying population in SW Kenya (Kakamega Forest).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 305 - 337 mm, tail 235 - 290 mm, ear 15 - 23 mm, hindfoot 39 - 46 mm; weight 517 - 780 g. The Giant Otter-shrew is very large — an order of magnitude larger than its closest relatives in the genus Micropotamogale. It has a strong superficial resemblance to an otter, with short, sleek pelage and thick, laterally compressed tail. Fur is soft, thick, and rich brown dorsally, shading to white ventrally. Chin, throat, and upper chest are white. Coat is thick with white underfur. Ears are relatively small. Tail is coated in dense fur along its entire length, being longer in the first one-quarter and shorter along the rest oftail. Limbs are relatively short and same color as dorsum. There are five digits on forefeet and hindfeet, all of which lack webbing. Second and third digits of hindfeet are fused to form comb used for grooming. There are four pairs of nipples: two pectoral, one abdominal, and one inguinal.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small rivers in lowland rainforests. One Giant Otter-shrew was found in the larger Ivindo River, Gabon, several hundred meters wide. They are found up to elevations of 1800 m in the Albertine Rift.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Giant Otter-shrew preys on various aquatic animals including fish, crabs, and other crustaceans; frogs are rarely eaten.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is little information available, but litters of Giant Otter-shrews have 1 - 2 young that are born throughout the year.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Giant Otter-shrew is nocturnal and almost exclusively aquatic, and individuals appear to make several foraging bouts per night. Unique among mammals, it swims by lateral undulations of its muscular tail, with forelimbs are held close to the body when swimming through water. During the day, the Giant Otter-shrew rests in a burrow, located in the bank of a river or stream, typically under a tree among its roots; entrance can be above or below surface of the water.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home range and movement patterns of Giant Otter-shrews are not known. Densities in suitable habitat may reach one territorial individual per 500 m of stream length, with maximum densities of c. 1 ind / 100 m. Latrines are probably used to mark territorial boundaries.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
5F4E87D7FFE8FFB51A6CF90020BDF817.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Although the Giant Otter-shrew is not currently under conservation threat, it is widely hunted for its skin and it occurs in stream / river habitat that is sensitive to degradation by increased soil erosion resulting from deforestation.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2018): Potamogalidae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 174-179, ISBN: 978-84-16728-08-4, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6656768
