tsipera

Tsipera is a Malagasy word and concept that refers to a type of small, often agile, predatory animal native to Madagascar. While the term is sometimes used generically for small carnivores, it most commonly refers to species within the family Eupleridae, which are unique to the island. These animals are diverse in their appearance and habits, ranging from the mongoose-like fosa (though the fosa is a larger, distinct animal often considered separately) to smaller, more arboreal species.

The diet of tsipera typically consists of insects, small reptiles, birds, and their eggs, and occasionally small mammals. Their physical characteristics often include a long body, short legs, and a relatively long tail, adapted for their specific ecological niches. Some tsipera are terrestrial, preferring to hunt on the forest floor, while others are adapted for life in the trees, utilizing their agility to navigate the canopy.

Habitat for tsipera varies depending on the species, but they are generally found in forested areas, including rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and even spiny forests. Conservation status for many tsipera species is a concern, with several facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as agriculture and logging. Efforts are underway to study and protect these unique Malagasy carnivores.