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The family Eupleridae is a group of carnivorans endemic to Madagascar and comprising 8 known species in 7 genera. Probably the best known species is the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), in the sub-family Euplerinae. All species of Euplerinae were formerly classified as viverrids, while all species in the subfamily Galidiinae were classified as herpestids.
Recent molecular studies indicate that the eight living species of Madagascar carnivorans evolved from one ancestor that is thought to have rafted over from mainland Africa 18-24 million years ago. This makes Malagasy carnivorans a clade. They are closely allied with the true herpestid mongooses, their closest living relatives.[2] The Fossa and the Malagasy Civet (Fossa fossana) are believed to be the most ancient surviving species within this group.
All Eupleridae are considered threatened species due to habitat destruction, and predation and competition from non-native species.[3]
Species
- Family Eupleridae
- Subfamily Euplerinae
- Fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox
- Falanouc, Eupleres goudotii
- Malagasy Civet, Fossa fossana
- Subfamily Galidiinae
- Ring-tailed Mongoose, Galidia elegans
- Broad-striped Malagasy Mongoose, Galidictis fasciata
- Grandidier's Mongoose, Galidictis grandidieri
- Narrow-striped Mongoose, Mungotictis decemlineata
- Brown-tailed Mongoose, Salanoia concolor
- Subfamily Euplerinae
See also
References
- ^ Wozencraft, W. C. (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14000443.
- ^ John J. Flynn et al.: Molecular Phylogenie of the Carnivora (Mammalia): Assesssing the Impact of Increased Sampling on Resolving Engimatic Relationships, Syst. Biol. 54(2):317–337, 2005 Molecular Phylogeny of Carnivora
- ^ http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eupleridae.html
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