Main Characteristics

Falanoucs have a body length between 48 and 56 cms (19 - 22 inches), a tail length between 22 and 25 cms (9 - 10 inches) and they weigh between 1.5 and 4.5 kgs (3.25 - 10 lbs).

Their short fur is greyish brown in colour and they have a paler coloured underside. Their tail is short and bushy and they use it to store fat that is utilized during periods when food is scarce.

Their head is long and narrow and they have a pointed muzzle. They have short, insectivore-like teeth which is an adaptation to suit their diet

Habitat

Falanoucs are found in the rainforests and marshes of Madagascar. They are solitary and they defend large territories that they mark with scent gland secretions. They are active during the night and sleep in logs or rock crevices during the day.

Diet

Falanoucs mainly feed on worms, slugs, snails, grubs and other invertebrates. They use their long front claws to dig up their prey from soil and leaf litter.

Breeding

Falanoucs breed in July and August and after a gestation period of 4 - 5 months, a single young is born between November and January. At birth the youngster has its eyes open and is well developed. It is able to follow its mother around at 2 days old and they are weaned when they reach 9 weeks old.

Predators

The main predators of Falanoucs are dogs and humans.

Subspecies

There are two subspecies of Falanouc:

Eastern Falanouc
(Eupleres goudotii goudotii)

Western Falanouc
(Eupleres goudotii major)

Interesting Facts


Similar Animals

Ring-Tailed Mongoose
Brown-Tailed Mongoose
Giant-Striped Mongoose
Broad-Striped Mongoose
Narrow-Striped Mongoose
Fossa
Malagasy Civet