Where does the fossa live?
The fossa exists only in Madagascar. It is found only in forested habitat. It is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is the largest carnivorous mammal on Madagascar, sometimes compared to a small cougar, because it has convergently evolved many cat-like features. Its eyes reflect light orange, like many night hunters.
What does the fossa eat?
Over 50% of its diet is lemurs, the primates endemic to the island. It also eats tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds and other animals. It actively hunts both by day and by night. Its semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles let it climb up and down trees head-first, and jump from tree to tree. It has a slender body, muscular limbs and a tail nearly as long as the rest of the body.
Is the fossa endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. Two larger extinct relatives are known, one of which probably died out before 1400. Litters have one to six pups, born blind and toothless.
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