VULNERABLE
FOSSA
CRYPTOPROCTA FEROX
The fossa - Madagascar's largest carnivore that you may have never heard of!
This cat-like predator is closely related to the mongoose family and is well-equipped to chase down lemurs in their forest habitat.
Fossas are exceptional climbers and jumpers, with semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow them to run up and down trees hunting prey.
Fossas are elusive and solitary animals, spending their time both in the trees and on the ground and are active at any time of the day.
Fossas use scent to communicate and keep track of each other, scent marking rocks, trees, or even just the ground with scent glands on the chest and under the base of the tail.
It is estimated that as few as 2,500 fossas remain in the wild.
Isalo, the fossa who calls Fife Zoo home, is part of the European Ex Situ Programme (EEP).
HABITAT
Fossas are endemic to Madagascar.
Fossas prefer undisturbed forested areas, such as montane forests and spiny desert forests.
DIET
As opportunistic hunters, fossas consume tenrecs, rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects.
They are specially adapted to hunt lemurs, making them Madagascar's top predator.
BEHAVIOUR
Fossas are primarily solitary and elusive, typically coming together only to hunt or mate.
As cathemeral animals, fossas can be active at any time, day or night.
Fossas communicate through scent glands on their chests and under their tails, marking rocks, trees and the ground to leave messages behind.
THREATS
Fossa are Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to fossa numbers as well as hunting and conflict with local farmers.
It is estimated that as few as 2,500 fossas remain in the wild.