Student Article
A Cougar-Like Predator Is Attacking Lemurs in Madagascar — Both Are in Jeopardy and Scientists Don't Know What to Do
Fossa (noun): A cat-like animal that lives only in Madagascar and is a skilled predator.
Lemur (noun): A small primate that lives in Madagascar, known for its large eyes and ability to jump between trees.
Predator (noun): An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
Endangered (adjective): At risk of disappearing forever.
A surprising discovery is happening in Madagascar, and it’s creating a big problem for scientists.
Two endangered animals at risk
In the forests of Madagascar, a special animal called the fossa is causing trouble for another animal, the diademed sifaka lemur. The fossa is a clever, cat-like predator, and it has started to attack the lemurs, which are already in danger of disappearing forever. The lemurs live in trees and are very rare, so every one of them is important to protect. Scientists are concerned because both animals are in trouble: the fossa is also at risk of disappearing. The two species need help, but it's hard to know what to do when one endangered animal is attacking another.
Why this creates a tough decision
The fossa is much smaller than a cougar but is just as clever. They live only in Madagascar and are great climbers. The diademed sifaka is one of the biggest lemurs, and it usually stays in trees. Unfortunately, the fossa’s hunting habits are putting these lemurs in danger.
What scientists might do next
Researchers want to know how many fossas there are and whether they need to move them to other areas to protect the lemurs. This situation is a real challenge for everyone trying to protect wildlife in Madagascar.
© Simon Birch / Our Media
Fossa (noun): A cat-like animal that lives only in Madagascar and is a skilled predator.
Lemur (noun): A small primate that lives in Madagascar, known for its large eyes and ability to jump between trees.
Predator (noun): An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
Endangered (adjective): At risk of disappearing forever.