Fossa is a mammal of Madagascar that resembles a large mongoose. The fossa is a fierce predator (hunting animal). It is the largest predatory mammal native to Madagascar, weighing as much as 22 pounds (10 kilograms). Like most of the mammals of Madagascar, the fossa is found nowhere else.
The fossa is a slender but muscular animal. Its fur is reddish-brown in color. The head is long, with a large nose, large eyes, and round ears. Adults may reach about 3 feet (90 centimeters) in length, not including the tail. The tail reaches about 21/2 feet (80 centimeters) long. Males are somewhat larger and heavier than females.
The fossa lives in forests throughout Madagascar. It usually stays on the ground. But it will follow prey up into the trees. The fossa moves quickly and gracefully. It can jump from tree to tree and run headfirst down tree trunks.
The fossa hunts amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, and reptiles. It is the only effective predator of large lemurs. The fossa’s sharp senses enable it to hunt during the day and at night. It has no natural predators.
Fossas are territorial and live alone except during the breeding season, between September and December. During courtship, females sit in trees and allow only certain males to follow them high up into the branches. After about two months, females give birth to between two and four offspring. Offspring are born blind and toothless. They stay with their mother for up to 20 months and reach maturity at about age 3. Fossas in captivity can live about 20 years.
The fossa is in danger of becoming extinct because of human activities. Deforestation has destroyed much of the fossa’s natural habitat. In rural areas, people may hunt the fossa because they fear it will feed on chickens. The fossa is protected within several nature reserves and national parks in Madagascar.
