The Vulnerability of the Night Stalker
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
18-5-2020
Abstract
In some parts of Madagascar, particularly the Marolambo district, there’s fables and myths regarding a mysterious creature that lurks through forests at night, seeking small, unguarded children that it may devour. It’s been told that this Night Crawler, if caught and eaten, will pass on horrendous attributes to the one who consumed him. These attributes include constant greediness and fierce aggression. Of course, this malicious entity is no entity at all, but rather a misunderstood animal that has developed a web of legends and fables revolving around its mysteriousness. This animal is the Cryptoprocta Ferox, or commonly known as the fossa. Fossas are a fascinating animal with unique histories in subjects such as mythology and taxonomy. However, the fossa’s population levels have drifted into a vulnerable state given the dangerous factors that come with being native to the Madagascar rainforests, such as deforestation, harmful human involvement, and intense natural disasters. Animal conservation in terms of saving the fossas may come in several forms, such as more research on the species, a hunting ban, or maybe a method a bit more drastic such as species reintroduction. Saving the fossas is key in sustaining the biodiversity levels in Madagascar. Biodiversity is necessary for an ecosystem to be resilient, elastic, and to maintain its ecological function. Without proper biodiversity, specifically when speaking of the fossa population, the entire food chain may be thrown off its delicate balance, thus affecting ecosystem dynamics. For example, the declining state of the fossa may result in overgrazing by some of its prey species which can create a whole different set of problems for Madagascar, a country already in very poor conditions.
Recommended Citation
Krueger, Anthony, "The Vulnerability of the Night Stalker" (2020). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 13.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/CAH/13
Department/Program
William O. Douglas Honors College
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/the-vulnerability-of-the-night-stalker/
The Vulnerability of the Night Stalker
Ellensburg
In some parts of Madagascar, particularly the Marolambo district, there’s fables and myths regarding a mysterious creature that lurks through forests at night, seeking small, unguarded children that it may devour. It’s been told that this Night Crawler, if caught and eaten, will pass on horrendous attributes to the one who consumed him. These attributes include constant greediness and fierce aggression. Of course, this malicious entity is no entity at all, but rather a misunderstood animal that has developed a web of legends and fables revolving around its mysteriousness. This animal is the Cryptoprocta Ferox, or commonly known as the fossa. Fossas are a fascinating animal with unique histories in subjects such as mythology and taxonomy. However, the fossa’s population levels have drifted into a vulnerable state given the dangerous factors that come with being native to the Madagascar rainforests, such as deforestation, harmful human involvement, and intense natural disasters. Animal conservation in terms of saving the fossas may come in several forms, such as more research on the species, a hunting ban, or maybe a method a bit more drastic such as species reintroduction. Saving the fossas is key in sustaining the biodiversity levels in Madagascar. Biodiversity is necessary for an ecosystem to be resilient, elastic, and to maintain its ecological function. Without proper biodiversity, specifically when speaking of the fossa population, the entire food chain may be thrown off its delicate balance, thus affecting ecosystem dynamics. For example, the declining state of the fossa may result in overgrazing by some of its prey species which can create a whole different set of problems for Madagascar, a country already in very poor conditions.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/CAH/13
Faculty Mentor(s)
Tamara Caulkins