Today's featured article
|
![A Fossa photographed in the Valencia Bioparc](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Cryptoprocta_Ferox.JPG/100px-Cryptoprocta_Ferox.JPG)
The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a member of the Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans closely related to the mongoose family. Its classification has been controversial because its physical traits resemble those of cats, yet other traits suggest a close relationship with viverrids. The fossa is the largest mammalian carnivore on the island of Madagascar and has been compared to a small cougar. Adults have a head-body length of 70–80 cm (28–31 in) and weigh between 5.5–8.6 kg (12–19 lb), with the males larger than the females. It has semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and also support jumping from tree-to-tree. The fossa is unique within its family for the shape of its genitalia, which share traits with those of cats and hyenas. The species is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is found solely in forested habitat, and actively hunts both day and night. Over 50% of its diet consists of lemurs, the endemic primates found on the island, though tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals are also documented as prey. The fossa is listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The greatest threat to the species is habitat destruction. (more...)
Recently featured: Navenby – "Soprano Home Movies" – Empire of Brazil
|
Did you know...
|
From Wikipedia's newest articles:
... that the French Government issued a postage stamp (pictured) bringing attention to the theft of Cézanne's The Card Players in 1961?
... that a 17th-century Yemeni Orphans' Decree requiring the conversion of orphans to Islam was still being enforced as late as 1948?
... that Wilhelmine Reichard, the first German woman balloonist, fell unconscious at 7,800 metres (25,600 ft) during her third flight in 1811 and crash-landed in a forest?
... that on April 15, 2011, United States v. Scheinberg resulted in the end of online poker play for United States residents on the three online poker sites that account for approximately 95% of the market?
... that despite being told by doctors that he might never walk again, British swimmer Graham Edmunds has won two Paralympic gold medals in world record times?
... that as many as 6,400 human and animal illustrations, including Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs and Inscriptions, have been recorded in Saudi Arabia's southwest Najran area?
... that Mormon bigamist Warren Jeffs spent a year in a prison called Purgatory?
|
|
|
In the news
|
|
On this day...
|
|
|