We take a look at one of the strangest predatory mammals on the planet, the fossa
The fossa is a fascinating and elusive carnivore native to the island of Madagascar.
Despite its importance in Madagascar, the fossa remains relatively unknown outside of scientific circles. This is partly due to its secretive nature and the dense, remote forests it inhabits. Unfortunately, the fossa is currently classified as a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human encroachment.
What is a fossa?
In short, a fossa is a kind of giant mongoose in cat, particularly a puma‘s, clothing. Fossas share a distant ancestry with African mongooses, but have become expert arboreal hunters, acquiring a number of feline traits.
What do aes fossa look like?
A fossa is a long, slender carnivore with a short muzzle, round ears, big eyes with vertical pupils and a very long tail. They have smooth, sepia-coloured fur.
They are highly agile climbers, helped by one of their most peculiar adaptations – reversible ankles that enable them to grasp both sides of a tree trunk with their hind feet (several older Malagasy carnivores share this feature, as do palm civets and the binturong, margay and clouded leopards)
How big is a fossa?
A fossa is between 65-85cm long, without their tail, with their tail measuring an extra 60-80cm. They weigh between 6-9kg
What does a fossa eat?
The fossa is the apex predator on Madagascar and mainly eats lemurs, but also hunts rodents, tenrecs (one of the world’s weirdest animals) and other vertebrates
Where does a fossa live?
The Fossa lives in Madagascar. predominantly in Ankarafantsika National Park (Ampijoroa) and Kirindy Forest. Their favourite habitat is dry deciduous forest and rainforest.
How do fossae mate?
Mating occurs October-November. The fossa is famously promiscuous. During their seven days in oestrus, females may receive as many as 10 males (though not simultaneously), and mate with each suitor up to 10 times.
This may add up to 50 or more separate sex sessions and a total of 40 hours in the act; copulation lasts from several minutes to as long as six hours. Such extreme competition has led male fossae to evolve disproportionately large penises and produce copious quantities of semen.
How long is gestation and many young do females give birth to?
1-4 young born after a 6-8 week gestation, and they stay with their mother for at least 12 months.
Meet more of Madagascar’s weird wildlife
- Ring-tailed lemur guide: where they live, what they eat, and why they’re endangered
- Discover Madagascar’s aye-aye, one of the strangest primates on the planet
- Meet the critically endangered Indri: The striking lemur with a haunting call