Carnivore Discovered
A new species of small carnivore,
known as Durrell’s Vontsira (Salanoia durrelli)
has been discovered from the marshes
of the lake Alaotra in Madagascar.
This discovery was done by the researchers from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Natural History Museum, London, Nature Heritage, Jersey, and Conservation International (CI).The new species was named after the world renowned Conservationist Gerald Durrel.
This carnivore was first seen swimming in a lake by researchers in 2004 & it was photographed.After examining these photographs & comparing them with the museum specimens they identified it as a new species.
This small, reddish-brown mongoose like carnivore is characterized by broad feet with prominent pads, reddish buff underparts, and broad, robust teeth. It is a marsh-dwelling animal & the scientists think that it may feed on crustaceans and mollusks.
The only known location of this species,the lake Alaotra is a highly threatened wetland.Wetland destruction,pollution,invasive species, overfishing are the major threats it face.Due to this threats the status of the Durrell’s Vontsira is very critical.Researches on it’s biology is a must for it’s conservation.