The Durrell’s Vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) is a small Madagascan mammal that is closely related to the Brown-Tailed Mongoose. They live at Andreba, a marshy area on the eastern coast of Lac Alaotra. Physically, they are characterized by their broad feet with pads, long claws, red-buff underparts, and broad, robust teeth. As marsh-dwelling animals, the Durrell’s Vontsira feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates. Although their conservation status has not been formally assessed, the Durrell’s Vontsira is likely to be threatened by habitat degradation and competition with the Black Rat and the Small Indian Civet.
The Durrell’s Vontsira has a body length in the range of 12”-13” (30.5-33 cm) and total weight of 1.3-1.5 lb (.6-.675 kg). Durrell’s Vontsiras have a shoulder height between 5.5”-5.9” (14-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.3” (7-8.5 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-8.3” (20-21 cm). The typical lifespan of the Durrell’s Vontsira is between 10-13 years.
The Durrell’s Vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) is a small Madagascan mammal that is closely related to the Brown-Tailed Mongoose. They live at Andreba, a marshy area on the eastern coast of Lac Alaotra. Physically, they are characterized by their broad feet with pads, long claws, red-buff underparts, and broad, robust teeth. As marsh-dwelling animals, the Durrell’s Vontsira feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates. Although their conservation status has not been formally assessed, the Durrell’s Vontsira is likely to be threatened by habitat degradation and competition with the Black Rat and the Small Indian Civet.
The Durrell’s Vontsira has a body length in the range of 12”-13” (30.5-33 cm) and total weight of 1.3-1.5 lb (.6-.675 kg). Durrell’s Vontsiras have a shoulder height between 5.5”-5.9” (14-15 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.3” (7-8.5 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-8.3” (20-21 cm). The typical lifespan of the Durrell’s Vontsira is between 10-13 years.
