Galidia

Galidia is a genus of small carnivorous mammals, subfamily Galidiinae, family Eupleridae, endemic to Madagascar, and is monotypic, containing only the ring-tailed vontsira, Galidia elegans, also called the ring-tailed mongoose. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek meaning little weasel, and its Malagasy common name, vontsira mena, means red vontsira. The animal is modest in size, usually 32 to 38 centimeters long and weighing 700 to 900 grams, with a dark red body, black feet and a bushy tail marked with black and red rings; it is agile and active during daylight and inhabits humid forests across Madagascar. The species is currently listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.