fanaloka

9.9

A small meat-eating animal from Madagascar that eats small animals and insects

noun

Specialized

: fanaloka

The fanaloka is mostly nocturnal and elusive, making it hard to spot in the wild.

Examples

Unlike larger predators, the fanaloka feeds primarily on small vertebrates and insects.
Researchers have observed that the fanaloka often climbs trees to catch its prey, including small birds and insects.
Scientists visited Madagascar to study the habits of the fanaloka in its natural habitat.
The fanaloka is a unique mammal native to Madagascar.
Many tourists are fascinated by the fanaloka during their visit.
The fanaloka is a small carnivorous mammal native to Madagascar, known for its distinctive markings.
In Madagascar, the elusive fanaloka prefers to hunt at night, making it a fascinating subject for researchers.

Surface Forms

fanaloka singular

fanalokas plural

Etymology

Fanaloka comes from the Malagasy language of Madagascar and is the local name for a small, 'cat-like' meat-eating animal often called the 'Malagasy civet'. So when you hear fanaloka, think of a small, island 'cat' that is active at night, which is why the name refers to that animal.