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Fossa
Cryptoprocta ferox
Fossa are the largest carnivores in Madagascar.
Little is known about fossa because they are elusive, solitary and have nocturnal habits.
Their resemblance to cats suggests a connection to the cat family but they are also closely related to civets and mongooses.
Unlike cats, fossa walk on the soles of their feet rather than on their toes.
Their eyes are also peculiar – brown and opaque, their pupils often reduce to the size of pinpricks.
Diet
Fossa eat lemurs, other small mammals, birds and fish.
Size
The average fossa can measure up to 80 centimetres (cm). Their tails can be up to 70cm long and they can weigh up to 12 kilograms.
Location
Fossa are only found in the tropical forests of Madagascar.
EEP = European Endangered Species Programme
CITES = Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature
ESB = European Studbook
Conservation status
The IUCN believes fossa face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
The species is listed under Appendix II of CITES.
Threats
The animals are threatened by the destruction of their forest habitats for agriculture.
There are many myths and legends about fossa and, as a result, they are often killed on sight by fearful humans.
Current population
There is no exact estimate of how many fossa live in the wild but experts believe there are less than 2,500 animals left.
Research indicates that the population is continuing to decline.
Zoo population
There is an International Studbook for fossa. There has also been an EEP for fossa since 1994. There are around 60 fossa living in zoos around the world, mainly in the United States.
