Biologists have discovered what they claim is a new species of carnivore, which looks like a “scruffy little ferret”, in the island nation of Madagascar. The cat-sized, speckled brown mammal belongs to a family of mongoose-like animals found only in Madagascar and is probably one of the most threatened carnivores in the world, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The species has been named Durrell’s vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) after famous naturalist Gerald Durrell. It was only found by chance in 2004 after a team from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Tru-st, which was studying other animals for more than 10 years by a remote lake in Madagascar, spotted something strange swimming past. They captured two of the creatures assuming they were brown-tailed vontsira.
The female was examined and released back into the wild. Sadly one male specimen died in a trap and was sent back to the Natural History Museum for further study. After subsequent analysis it was discovered it was the first new species of carnivorous mammal to be discovered in 24 years.
Professor John Fa, of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, described the new find as a “scruffy little ferret” that likes to swim in lakes. Unlike other mongoose, the apparently aquatic creature could be more like an otter, surviving on fish and crabs.
“At the moment it is a mystery. What it does tell us is there is a lot more biodiversity in this area that needs to be studied,” he said. Fidimalala Bruno Ralainsasolo, who captured the new carnivore in the lake, said the species is already in danger from agricultural expansion and pollution, burning and invasive plants and fish. —PTI