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The family Eupleridae is a group of carnivorans endemic to Madagascar and comprising 8 known species in 7 genera. Probably the best known species is the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), in the sub-family Euplerinae. All species of Euplerinae were formerly classified as viverrids, while all species in the subfamily Galidiinae were classified as herpestids (mongooses).
Recent molecular studies indicate that the eight living species of Madagascar carnivorans evolved from one ancestor that is thought to have colonised Madagascar from mainland Africa 18-24 million years ago. So the Malagasy Carnivora turned out as a clade closely allied with the mongooses [2]. The Fossa and the Malagasy Civet (Fossa fossana) are believed to be the most ancient surviving species within this group. The closest living relatives of the Madagascar carnivores are the true mongooses (Herpestidae).
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