Western falanouc

Western falanouc
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Suborder:	Feliformia
Family:	Eupleridae
Genus:	Eupleres
Species:	E. major
Binomial name
Eupleres major Lavauden, 1929

The western falanouc (Eupleres major) is a rare mongoose-like mammal endemic to Madagascar. Until recently, the eastern falanouc (Eupleres goudotii) was the only recognized species in the genus Eupleres. In 2010, Goodman and Helgen provided morphological evidence showing the two falanoucs are each a separate species and are found in separate geographical locations. E. major is larger and browner compared to E. goudotii and has a diet consisting mainly of invertebrates such as worms, snails, and slugs.

Knowledge of the western falanouc's ecology is limited, but its range is believed to be limited to dry deciduous forest, flooded palm savanna, and wetlands. E. major is known to occur in Ankarafantsika National Park and is believed to also be found in or near other local national parks and reserves. The main predators of the western falanouc are feral dogs and humans. E. major is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. Trade and use are currently unknown, but the population has dramatically decreased by 50% due to various factors such as hunting and ongoing habitat conversion and fragmentation. More research of E. major is needed to further understand the species and work on conservation efforts to protect the declining population.