The fossa is Madagascar’s largest native predator and the island’s top terrestrial carnivore.
Its scientific name is Cryptoprocta ferox. Although it resembles a slender cat or a small cougar, the fossa belongs to the endemic Malagasy carnivore family Eupleridae, which evolved from a mongoose-like ancestor. Fossas occur in many forest types, including Madagascar’s rainforests, and spend much of their time moving through trees.
They hunt lemurs, rodents, birds, reptiles, and other small animals. A long tail helps with balance, while flexible ankles allow the animal to descend tree trunks headfirst. Fossas are also capable climbers and can pursue prey in the canopy.
The biggest misconception is that the fossa is a kind of cat. Its catlike appearance reflects convergent evolution, but its anatomy and ancestry place it among Madagascar’s mongoose-related carnivores.