Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2433512

Falanouc

Eupleres goudotii

Also known as Eastern Falanouc, Goudot's Falanouc, Malagasy Slender Mongoose

Falanoucs patrol the dense rainforest floor of eastern Madagascar, rooting through leaf litter with long, flexible snouts specialized for locating soft-bodied invertebrates. Unlike most carnivorans, their small, curved teeth are adapted for grasping slippery earthworms and snails rather than shearing flesh. They store substantial amounts of fat in their broad, bushy tails to endure seasonal food shortages during the cooler austral winter.

NocturnalEndemicRainforest
Falanouc reference
Licensed reference(c) Mariomassone, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Earthworms
  • Snails and Slugs
  • Beetle Larvae
Predators
  • Fossa
  • Feral Dog
ThreatsDeforestation from slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting, and feral dog predation
HabitatsDense lowland and mid-altitude moist tropical rainforests
Life span8–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyEupleridae
  2. SpeciesEupleres goudotii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by its low-slung, reddish-brown body, pointed pig-like snout, and thick, bushy tail.
Support conservation
Maintain a respectful distance of at least five meters, stay on established paths, and never attempt to corner or feed it.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Time: Best spotted during nocturnal or crepuscular guided night walks.
  • Noise Discipline: Move silently along trail edges to avoid scaring this shy forager.
  • Lighting Etiquette: Use low-intensity red headlamps rather than harsh white spotlights.
Related species
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