The Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is a cat-like mammal that lives in forest habitats throughout Madagascar. They are comparable to small cougars with their semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow them to climb up and down trees head first. They have short, straight, dense fur that is not patterned, large and rounded ears, and set wide apart brown eyes. As a carnivore, the Fossa hunts small to medium-sized animals, and they eat a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates. Considered cathemeral, the Fossa is active both in the day and in the night.
The Fossa has a body length in the range of 27”-31” (69-79 cm) and total weight of 12-19 lb (5.5-8.6 kg). Fossas have a shoulder height between 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.3” (14-16 cm), and tail length of 25.6”-27.6” (65-70 cm). The typical lifespan of the Fossa is between 15-23 years.
The Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is a cat-like mammal that lives in forest habitats throughout Madagascar. They are comparable to small cougars with their semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow them to climb up and down trees head first. They have short, straight, dense fur that is not patterned, large and rounded ears, and set wide apart brown eyes. As a carnivore, the Fossa hunts small to medium-sized animals, and they eat a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates. Considered cathemeral, the Fossa is active both in the day and in the night.
The Fossa has a body length in the range of 27”-31” (69-79 cm) and total weight of 12-19 lb (5.5-8.6 kg). Fossas have a shoulder height between 11.8”-13.8” (30-35 cm), body width of 5.5”-6.3” (14-16 cm), and tail length of 25.6”-27.6” (65-70 cm). The typical lifespan of the Fossa is between 15-23 years.