| Eupleridae | |
|---|---|
 A Fossa | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Eupleridae |
Eupleridae is a family from the Carnivora order. It is including 10 extant species endemic to Madagascar. Probably the best known species is the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), in the subfamily 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 10 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. The fossa and the Malagasy civet (Fossa fossana) are believed to be the most ancient surviving species within this group. All Eupleridae species are considered threatened due to habitat destruction, as well as predation and competition from non-native species.
Genera
Family Eupleridae
Subfamily Euplerinae
Genus Cryptoprocta Fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox Giant fossa, †Cryptoprocta spelea Genus Eupleres Eastern falanouc, Eupleres goudotii Western falanouc, Eupleres major Genus Fossa Malagasy civet, Fossa fossana
Subfamily Galidiinae
Genus Galidia Ring-tailed mongoose, Galidia elegans Genus Galidictis Broad-striped Malagasy mongoose, Galidictis fasciata Grandidier's mongoose, Galidictis grandidieri Genus Mungotictis Narrow-striped mongoose, Mungotictis decemlineata Genus Salanoia Brown-tailed mongoose, Salanoia concolor Durrell's mongoose, Salanoia durrelli