Study objects

Fossa

Scientific nameCryptoprocta ferox
Body size75 cm
Body mass6-11 kg
Distributionforest of sufficient size all over Madagaskar
Statusvulnerable
Lifestylecathemeral, carnivorous, solitary, some males social
Mating systempromiscuous
Specialsperforms conspicuous mating behaviour on traditional mating trees; plays a key role in Madagascar’s forest ecosystems as the top predator; associated males hunt cooperatively; is more closely related to hyenas than to cats (family: Madagascar mongooses)!