Family Eupleridae
Malagasy carnivores

The family Eupleridae, the Malagasy carnivores, consists of eight species and seven genera in two subfamilies. The diversity of form and function in this family is such that some have suggested it be split into several families. (Gaubert et al., 2005; Wilson and Reeder, 2005)

Species in the family Eupleridae are restricted to the island of Madagascar. (Nowak, 1999)

Euplerids live in a variety of habitats, from humid forests, marshes, bogs, and swamps, to deserts and savannahs. (Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)

The taxonomic position of the species in the family Eupleridae has been in question since their discovery. Most authors have placed them in Viverridae and Herpestidae. In some cases each species was assigned to its own family (Wozencraft 2005). Cryptoprocta was also thought to be a felid due to its skull shape, dentition, and features of the skeleton (Hemmer 1978). One genus, Eupleres, was even classified outside of Carnivora. Because of its pointed snout and small, sharp teeth, Eupleres was thought to be an insectivore when it was first discovered (Doyère 1835). More recently euplerid species were placed within Viverridae, in the subfamily Euplerinae (Wozencraft 1989) or Fossinae (Wozencraft 1993). Molecular phylogenies based on cytochrome b, ND2, transthyretin intron I, and IRBP genes strongly supports euplerid monophyly and a sister relationship to Herpestidae (Yoder et al. 2003). A recent phylogenetic analysis based on 349 morphological characteristics does not support euplerid monophyly; Eupleres and Fossa form a clade, while Cryptoprocta and Galidia fall elsewhere. The authors suggest that the dramatic morphological differences among euplerid species may justify splitting them into separate families (Gaubert et al. 2005). (Doyère, 1835; Gaubert et al., 2005; Hemmer, 1978; Wozencraft, 1989; Wozencraft, 1993; Wozencraft, 2005; Yoder et al., 2003)

Aside from molecular synapomorphies, euplerids have few traits in common. They tend to have slender bodies with relatively small heads and pointed rostra, although fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) are more cat-like in appearance, with blunt snouts. Head and body length ranges from 250 mm in Mungotictis and Salanoia to 800 mm in adult male Cryptoprocta. The thick, soft pelage is gray or brown, and spotted or striped in all but Eupleres and Cryptoprocta. The foot posture is plantigrade or digitigrade. (Nowak, 1999)

Euplerid lifespans in the wild are unknown. Cryptoprocta holds the longevity record in captivity, at 20 years. (Nowak, 1999)

Euplerids exhibit a range of lifestyles, from diurnal to nocturnal, and from arboreal to terrestrial. When they are not active, they shelter in protected spots, such as tree hollows, crevices, burrows, or caves. Locomotion is plantigrade or digitigrade. Mungotictis decemlineata have partially webbed toes and are good swimmers. As mentioned above, social habits range from strictly solitary to group living. Some species (Fossa and Cryptoprocta) vigorously defend territories against other pairs or individuals. (Nowak, 1999)

Like other carnivores, euplerids can perceive visual, acoustic, chemical, and tactile signals. Communication is through scent in the form of glandular secretions and through a variety of cries, groans, and other vocalizations. (Nowak, 1999)

Euplerids are primarily carnivorous, consuming small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Eupleres goudotii is specialized for eating intertebrates such as earthworms. Fossa fossana and Galidia elegans may include some fruit in their diets in addition to animal matter. (Nowak, 1999)

No information is available on the specific predators of euplerids, besides humans and domestic dogs, both of which are not native to Madagascar. Cryptic coloration in the form of spots and stripes on neutral backgrounds probably conceals most species well. Eupleres goudotii is known to either run or freeze when disturbed, and Cryptoprocta ferox releases a foul-smelling substance from its anal glands when it is alarmed. Large birds of prey or large snakes are potential predators. (Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)

Euplerids that eat fruit are primary consumers, and all euplerids are secondary and higher-level consumers, because they eat a variety of animal matter. They, in turn, are eaten by humans and domestic dogs, and possibly other predators as well. Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest native predator on Madagascar and, except for humans, is at the top of the food chain. (Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)

Cryptoprocta ferox individuals sometimes attack poultry. There are no reports of other euplerids negatively affecting humans. (Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)

Euplerids are commonly hunted for their meat. (Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)

All species in this family are threatened. Fossa fossana, Galidia elegans, Galidictis fasciata, and Salanoia concolor are considered vulnerable by the IUCN, and Cryptoprocta ferox, Eupleres goudotii, Galidictis grandidieri, and Mungotictis decemlineata are considered endangered. Cryptoprocta ferox, Eupleres goudotii, and Fossa fossana are on Appendix II of CITES. Habitat destruction in the form of deforestation is the main cause of their decline, though hunting by humans and predation by dogs also impact populations. (IUCN, 2006; Nowak, 1999; Schreiber et al., 1989)