Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 April 30

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a member of the Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans closely related to the mongoose family. Its classification has been controversial because its physical traits resemble those of cats, yet other traits suggest a close relationship with viverrids. The fossa is the largest mammalian carnivore on the island of Madagascar and has been compared to a small cougar. Adults have a head-body length of 70–80 cm (28–31 in) and weigh between 5.5–8.6 kg (12–19 lb), with the males larger than the females. It has semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and also support jumping from tree-to-tree. The fossa is unique within its family for the shape of its genitalia, which share traits with those of cats and hyenas. The species is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is found solely in forested habitat, and actively hunts both day and night. Over 50% of its diet consists of lemurs, the endemic primates found on the island, though tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals are also documented as prey. The fossa is listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The greatest threat to the species is habitat destruction. (more...) Recently featured: Navenby – "Soprano Home Movies" – Empire of Brazil Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest articles: ... that the French Government issued a postage stamp (pictured) bringing attention to the theft of Cézanne's The Card Players in 1961? ... that a 17th-century Yemeni Orphans' Decree requiring the conversion of orphans to Islam was still being enforced as late as 1948? ... that Wilhelmine Reichard, the first German woman balloonist, fell unconscious at 7,800 metres (25,600 ft) during her third flight in 1811 and crash-landed in a forest? ... that on April 15, 2011, United States v. Scheinberg resulted in the end of online poker play for United States residents on the three online poker sites that account for approximately 95% of the market? ... that despite being told by doctors that he might never walk again, British swimmer Graham Edmunds has won two Paralympic gold medals in world record times? ... that as many as 6,400 human and animal illustrations, including Bir Hima Rock Petroglyphs and Inscriptions, have been recorded in Saudi Arabia's southwest Najran area? ... that Mormon bigamist Warren Jeffs spent a year in a prison called Purgatory? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge The wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton (pictured) takes place in London. Canadian figure skater Patrick Chan wins the men's event at the World Figure Skating Championships in Moscow, setting record scores for the long and short programs. More than 300 people are killed in the Southern United States in the deadliest tornado outbreak since 1974. Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah sign a deal to form a unity government ahead of elections. Sony announces that a breach of its PlayStation Network may have compromised users' personal data. The Syrian government deploys tanks and troops in Daraa, killing 25 demonstrators, as protests continue across the country. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
April 30: National Persian Gulf Day in Iran; Queen's Day in the Netherlands; Consumer Protection Day in Thailand 1803 – The United States purchased France's claim to the Louisiana Territory (map pictured) for 78 million francs, or less than US$0.03 per acre. 1945 – World War II: As Allied forces were closing in on Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide in the Führerbunker after being married for one day. 1963 – A boycott was held in Bristol to protest the Bristol Omnibus Company's refusal to employ Black or Asian bus crews, drawing national attention to racial discrimination in the United Kingdom. 1980 – Iranian Arab separatists captured the Iranian Embassy in London, beginning a six-day siege. 2009 – A Dutch man drove his car at high speed into a parade in an attempt to kill the Dutch royal family. More anniversaries: April 29 – April 30 – May 1 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now April 30, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

A woodcut engraving by English illustrator Randolph Caldecott for the nursery rhyme and cumulative tale "This Is the House That Jack Built", which appeared in an 1887 book of children's stories. The poem does not actually tell the story of Jack building a house, but instead shows how the house is indirectly linked to numerous things and people. It is believed to date back to the mid-sixteenth century, but the first printed edition was in 1755.

Restoration: Lise Broer

Recently featured: Nautical map of Zwaanendael Colony – Anthomyiid fly – Ulysses S. Grant

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

Help desk – Ask questions about using Wikipedia.
Reference desk – Serving as virtual librarians, Wikipedia volunteers tackle your questions on a wide range of subjects.
Village pump – For discussions about Wikipedia itself, including areas for technical issues and policies.
Community portal – Bulletin board, projects, resources and activities covering a wide range of Wikipedia areas.
Site news – Announcements, updates, articles and press releases on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Local embassy – For Wikipedia-related communication in languages other than English.