Bibymalagasy (SciiFii)

Bibymalagasys (Plesiorycteropus), also known as Malagasy aardvarks, are two species of eutherian mammals from Madagascar. The genus was once extinct since the early Holocene, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout Madagascar to help boost biodiversity. Despite their names, both members of the genus are not aardvarks, but are most closely related to the similarly-looking tenrecs. Two species are currently recognized, the larger greater bibymalagasy (Plesiorycteropus madagascariensis) and the smaller lesser bibymalagasy (Plesiorycteropus germainepetterae). Both species overlap in distribution. Bibymalagasys are roughly “small dog-sized”, having a head-and-body length of 60-80 centimeters (2-2.7 feet), and a total length of over 1 meter (3.3 feet). Both species of bibymalagasys are digging animals with large nasal cavities, allowing a good sense of smell, and have a diet of insects (including ants and termites), grubs, worms, and other soft foods. They also have adaptations for climbing and sitting. Both species range in mass from 6 to 18 kilograms (13 to 40 lb). The conservation status of the greater bibymalagasy is Near Threatened while the lesser bibymalagasy is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and, historically, poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, both species of bibymalagasys are a protected species.