Malagasy ring-tailed mongoose  (Galidia elegans)

The most common, widespread and regularly encountered native carnivore of Madagascar is easily recognised by its bushy, ringed tail after which it is named (3). The Malagasy ring-tailed mongoose is the size and shape of a typical mongoose, with a low-slung body, short legs, small, pointed head and rounded ears (3) (4). The pads of its feet are large, smooth and hairless providing it with uncommon arboreal agility. Its coat is generally russet-chestnut in colour with the exception of the head, throat and chest which tend to be olive tinged, the feet and legs which are sometimes brown or black and the four to six alternate black bands ringing the tail (2) (3). Three subspecies are recognised on the basis of slight variation in colouration and geographical range (3).