Fossaフォッサ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Eupleridae Source

Distribution

The fossa is endemic to Madagascar, found throughout the island's forested habitats — dry deciduous forests, eastern rainforests, and spiny forests — at elevations from about 440 to 2,000 m. Source

Did You Know?

• The fossa is the largest mammalian carnivore on Madagascar and the only predator capable of hunting every living lemur species on the island. Source
• The genus name Cryptoprocta derives from ancient Greek meaning 'hidden anus,' referencing the pouch of skin that partially conceals the animal's anal glands. Source
• The fossa first arrived at a Japanese zoo in 2010, when Ueno Zoological Gardens acquired the species. Source

FAQ

What does a fossa eat?

Lemurs make up more than half its diet, supplemented by tenrecs, rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects. It kills prey by pinning it with its forelimbs and biting the back of the neck or throat. Source

Why is the fossa's genus name unusual?

The genus name Cryptoprocta comes from ancient Greek for 'hidden anus,' referring to a pouch of skin that partly conceals the animal's anal scent glands. Source

Is the fossa related to cats?

Not directly — despite its cat-like appearance, the fossa belongs to Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans found only on Madagascar and more closely related to mongooses than to true cats. Source