The Fossa (Cryptoprocta
ferox) is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal endemic to Madagascar. It is a member
of the Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans closely related to the mongoose
family (Herpestidae). Its classification has been controversial because its
physical traits resemble those of cats, yet other traits suggest a close
relationship with viverrids (most civets and their relatives). Its
classification, along with that of the other Malagasy carnivores, influenced
hypotheses about how many times mammalian carnivores have colonized Madagascar.
With genetic studies demonstrating that the fossa and all other Malagasy
carnivores are most closely related to each other (forming a clade, recognized
as the family Eupleridae), carnivorans are now thought to have colonized the
island once around 18 to 20 million years ago.
Showing posts with label Mammals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mammals. Show all posts
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca (Giant Panda, 大熊猫)
The Giant Panda
(Ailuropoda melanoleuca, literally "black and white cat-foot";
Chinese: 大熊猫; pinyin: dà xióng māo,
literally "big bear cat"), also known as panda bear or simply panda,
is a bear native to south central China.It is easily recognized by the large,
distinctive black patches around its eyes, over the ears, and across its round
body. The name "giant panda" is sometimes used to distinguish it from
the unrelated red panda. Though it belongs to the order Carnivora, the
giant panda's diet is over 99% bamboo. Giant pandas in the wild will
occasionally eat other grasses, wild tubers, or even meat in the form of birds,
rodents, or carrion. In captivity, they may receive honey, eggs, fish, yams,
shrub leaves, oranges, or bananas along with specially prepared food.
Ailurus Fulgens (Red Panda)
The red panda (Ailurus fulgens),
also called the lesser panda, the red bear-cat, and the red
cat-bear, is a mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
It has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its
shorter front legs; it is slightly larger than a domestic cat.
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