Home › Mammalia › Eupleridae › Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
SPECIES PROFILE
Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
Cryptoprocta
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to Madagascar
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Forest and dry woodland
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Eupleridae
GENUS
Cryptoprocta
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 80 cm + 90 cm tail; 5-9 kg
COLORATION
Reddish-brown, cat-like with a very long tail
ADAPTATIONS
Retractable claws and flexible ankles for hunting in the trees
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forest and dry woodland
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to Madagascar
REPRODUCTION
2-4 young in a den
DIET DETAILS
Lemurs, birds and reptiles
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Deforestation, persecution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Madagascar's top predator, a cat-like relative of the mongoose that hunts lemurs in the trees.
2
Its ankles rotate so far it can run head-first down tree trunks.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kirindy Forest
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
September-December
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Kirindy Forest in the dry season is the classic spot; fossas are most active around the September mating season.
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