Hi there and welcome to e-mail newsletter #24!

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If you have not yet explored the OneBeautifulPlanet.org Newsletter archive, check it out. I wrote the first issue in June 2023.

The Fossa

For every newsletter I feature a person, animal, or plant that inspired or intrigued me. It is a moment of reflection and gratitude, meant to find lessons and nurture curiosity. Last week I featured MacKenzie Bezos, while prior weeks included animals like the axolotl, the albatross, and luminaries such as Buckminster Fuller and Sylvia Earle.

This week I am featuring the fossa, Madagascar’s largest carnivore (Cryptoprocta Ferox). It is a little known animal, and I was inspired to feature it this week as it is the name of our current cohort of about 165 students enrolled in the Terra.do Learning for Action program on Climate Change fundamentals (Terra.do names each cohort after a vulnerable or endangered animal).

With its sleek body, cat-like appearance, and a blend of traits reminiscent of both felines and canines, the fossa holds a special place in Madagascar's wildlife. Despite its feline appearance, the fossa is a member of the Eupleridae family, closely related to mongooses. This creature represents an emblem of Madagascar's ecological significance and the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystems: there are only about 2,500 left in the wild, and are classified as vulnerable species.

Geographically isolated for millions of years, Madagascar has fostered the evolution of numerous endemic species, including the fossa. This animal exudes agility and stealth, making it an efficient hunter in the dense rainforests and diverse landscapes of its native habitat. Their agile physique allows them to navigate the treetops with ease, combining arboreal prowess with ground-level hunting abilities.

Primarily a carnivorous species, the fossa has a varied diet, preying on an assortment of animals, including lemurs, reptiles, birds, and smaller mammals. Its adaptability and resourcefulness in hunting have enabled the fossa to thrive as a top predator in Madagascar's intricate food web.

Despite being a key player in the island's ecosystem, the fossa faces several threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and human settlements, remains a menace to the fossa's survival. As forests diminish, the fossa's territory shrinks, leading to increased competition for resources and potential conflict with human communities. 

Moreover, the fossa encounters challenges from hunting and human-wildlife conflict, where they are sometimes considered a threat to poultry and small livestock, leading to retaliatory killings. These factors, compounded by limited understanding and conservation efforts compared to other, more charismatic species, put the fossa at risk of population decline. 

Efforts toward conserving the fossa have gained momentum in recent years. Initiatives focused on habitat protection, community engagement, and raising awareness about the fossa's ecological significance have been pivotal in fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Encouraging ecotourism practices that prioritize responsible viewing of fossas in their natural habitat has also emerged as a means to generate income for local communities while promoting conservation efforts.

The fossa is a remarkable example of Madagascar's biodiversity and reminder of the importance of preserving its delicate ecosystems. By addressing the threats faced by this little known animal and more generally fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, we can plan for the continued survival of the fossa and the perpetuation of Madagascar's ecological heritage.

Sources:

• “All Creatures” Podcast - Episode 350: Fossa Conservation with Brittany Behler

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossa_(animal)

Mindset

“Whatever good work you do, whatever powerful, profound work — do it because it’s right or because it’s necessary. Do it to make change for the better. Do it because you know you must. Don’t do it for credit.”

— John Lewis, Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation

In the Works

On the action front, I completed an early morning cleanup at Silver Lake Park, in Bucks County PA, using my EJG tongs. After posting it on Reddit, and Nextdoor, I received notes of encouragement and support, and the volunteer list is growing. As with all group events, organizing multiple volunteers to carry out a litter cleanup is a logistical challenge, but can be fun and extremely rewarding. Time and weather permitting, this will be an area of focus in the weeks ahead.

On the knowledge and education front, I am continuing the Terra.do Learning for Action online program on climate change fundamentals, now in Week 8/12. Classes this week focus on electricity and the importance of “electrifying everything”, as part of the gradual transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

I also attended a Zoom meeting focused on neighborhood and community beautification, hosted by the Weaver network. Weaver is a worldwide community of about 1,300 members, founded by author and journalist David Brooks and the Aspen Institute. Its mission is to bridge social divides and help people become more connected. The virtual meeting was a great opportunity to learn from and meet seasoned volunteers who do beautification work, such as Jeudy Mom in Compton, California and Asiaha Butler in Chicago, Illinois:

• Asiaha worked with city officials to turn vacant lots in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago into gardens, gathering places, and sports fields, building pride and commitment as they build a prettier, more welcoming environment.

• Jeudy has dedicated his career toward mobilizing people to support their neighbors. For over a decade, he led the Compton Initiative, inspiring thousands of neighbors to come together across difference by cleaning up and beautifying their community.

If you found this newsletter helpful or interesting, please share with your friends, contacts, and anyone you know who may benefit from following my journey. Let’s gain some knowledge, and take action toward a cleaner, healthier world!

Thank you.

Razvan