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A new species of carnivorous mammal has been discovered in Madagascar.
The mongoose-like creature has been called Durrell's vontsira (Salanoia durrelli) in honour of conservationist Gerald Durrell.
Scientists found the creature in the wetlands of Lake Alaotra, the largest lake in Madagascar.
Its marsh habitat is under pressure from invasive species and pollution, and the team thinks it could be one of the world's most threatened mammals.
They describe the cat-sized animal for the first time in the journal Systematics and Biodiversity.
The group that I had one, then two students in last week is, I discovered today, the directors' group. I was due to have them at 3.20 and some guy turned up and spoke to one of my students in the group before at about 3.05. At the end of the lesson this student came to me and said that the next class had been moved to the front office and wouldn't take place where all the other lessons have in Salle Rado. I went and had a look in that office, recognised no-one and went to look for Hanta or Rajo. Rajo wasn;t there but Hanta went off to find a solution. At about 3.25 she returned and escorted me back to the same place where Gerard ( I called him Depardieu last lesson and so he called me Halliday, as in David Halliday who I think is really Johnny Halliday). He took me into a very impressive office, better than the Minister's and introduced me Brutto Bazaza and said, "David, this is Mr Brutto Bazaza, the Secretary General of the ministry" and almost bowed. He continued, "This David Halliday (giggle, giggle) our English teacher."
Thereafter it became quite interesting as Brutto explained how poor his English was, (not great/not bad) and how he was looking forward to me coming to his office to teach and me explaining that if he wanted to do some English he would need to be where the whiteboard and my worksheets were up in Salle Rado. Gerard looked very nervous. Eventually the Secretary General said words to the effect that working upstairs would be fine. What did he need to bring? Could I wait while he made an important phone call?
10 minutes later we were a class of one teacher and 2 students in Salle Rado with about 2 minutes of the lesson left. We did some stuff which he followed and got into for about 10 minutes then I ended the lesson because I had arranged to talk with Lala - another student. He clearly wanted another discussion which went along the following lines. I want these lessons at a more convenient time. I have agreed that all 5 directors are willing to change what can you offer? OK I'll let you know but it will be 10 or 11 on Thursday. If I get a whiteboard put into my office is there any reason we can't meet there so long as I tell everyone else and they agree? I will have coffee served in our lessons. End of discussion.
Obviously the king maker.
But it will work I'm sure. If it doesn't I will be fired or possibly sent to Lake Alaotra.
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