Fossa Fact Sheet

Class:
Mammalia 
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Eupleridae
Genus:
Cryptoprocta
Species:
ferox
Life span:
Up to 20 years under human care
Gestation:
3 months
Number of young at birth:
2 – 4
Age of maturity:
About 4 years
Size:
Up to 31 in. long
Tail length: 27 – 35 in. long
Weight:
Females: 11 – 15 lb
Males: 13 – 22 lb
Size at birth:
 3 – 3.5 oz
Description:
Has paws with claws like a cat, a long tail like a monkey, and round ears like a weasel. Its coat is short, usually a rich brown color with a golden tinge. The fossa’s tail makes up about half of the animal’s length.
Habitat: Rain forest and savanna
Range: Madagascar

 

Fun Facts:

  • Climbing high up into trees and jump from branch to branch, the fossa can climb down the tree headfirst using its claws.

  • Fossas nap and hunt day or night depending on mood or circumstance.

  • The fossa is solitary except during the breeding season

  • The fossa is a carnivore and preys on small to medium sized animals from fish to birds.

  • The fossa is one of the top predators on the island of Madagascar.

  • Fossas have scent glands that release a stinky smell when the animal is irritated or frightened.

 

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