Overview:-
- The fossa is the largest carnivore found only in the forest of Madagascar. This mammal can reach 6 feet in length and weigh up to 10 kg. At first look, the fossa give a glimpse of a cross between a mongoose and a cat. The fossas are also the top predator of Madagascar. Unfortunately, only a small population of Fossas are left in wild in the Madagascar. The habitat loss is the main cause of declination of fossa’s population in Madagascar.
- The fossas have very strong, muscular body with short reddish-brown coat. The long tail is one of the most distinguishing features of fossas. The tail actually makes up almost half of the total length of a fossa.
- The fossas are very agile climbers. The retractable claws and flexible ankle joints allow them to easily climb up on the trees. The long tail of fossas also provides them right balance on move along the tree branches. Like the humans, the fossas walk on the soles of their feet, one kind of locomotion known as ‘plantigrade’. It gives the fossas stability in jumping from branch to branch.
- The fossa is the most efficient hunter among the Madagascar animals. It is an ambush predator, make surprise attack on its preys. The fossas hunt during both day and night. With the sharp claws and sharp tooth, fossas can quickly kill their prey. Lemurs are the main food of fossas. They also hunt on other small mammals, fishes, birds, frogs and lizards.
