Fosas, a Cat-Like Species, Threaten Critically Endangered Diademed Sifaka Lemurs in Madagascar

Many of Madagascar’s charismatic lemurs, including the critically endangered diademed sifaka lemur, are facing a new threat: predation by the fosa, a vulnerable cat-like carnivore.

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar have documented rare observations of fosas attacking diademed sifaka lemurs at Madagascar’s Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. Fos, reddish brown animals with slender bodies and long tails, are excellent climbers and are often compared to cougars. However, they are part of the weasel family.

The study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, highlights the complex effects of this new predation on the lemur population. The Betampona reserve, surrounded by agricultural land, is relatively small and isolated, making it difficult for lemurs to find other eligible mates.

The researchers observed that predation by fosas, combined with low reproductive rates and potentially high inbreeding, could threaten the survival of diademed sifaka lemurs at Betampona. The study emphasizes the challenges of conservation efforts, as human activities have led to changes within ecosystems with cascading effects on at-risk species.

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