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Class:
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Mammalia
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Order:
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Carnivora
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Family:
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Eupleridae
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Genus:
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Cryptoprocta
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Species:
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ferox
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Life span:
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Up to 20 years under human care
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Gestation:
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3 months
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Number of young at birth:
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2 – 4
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Age of maturity:
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About 4 years
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Size:
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Up to 31 in. long
Tail length: 27 – 35 in. long |
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Weight:
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Females: 11 – 15 lb
Males: 13 – 22 lb |
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Size at birth:
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3 – 3.5 oz
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Description:
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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.
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| Habitat: | Rain forest and savanna |
| Range: | Madagascar |
Fun Facts:
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Climbing high up into trees and jump from branch to branch, the fossa can climb down the tree headfirst using its claws.
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Fossas nap and hunt day or night depending on mood or circumstance.
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The fossa is solitary except during the breeding season
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The fossa is a carnivore and preys on small to medium sized animals from fish to birds.
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The fossa is one of the top predators on the island of Madagascar.
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Fossas have scent glands that release a stinky smell when the animal is irritated or frightened.
