The Ancient Madagascarian Fossa
Fossa looks like a cat but it is not. But Fossa belongs to Mongoose family. It is found in Central African regions specifically in the Madagascar islands. And Fossa is popularly known as largest mammalian predator of Madagascar islands and is a nocturnal. Its classification has been quiet controversial as it looks like a cat but some features relate to Mongoose. It is one of the most ancient animals found in Madagascar. And now Fossa count has become incredibly low and has been marked as endangered species.
Anatomy
Fossa is a medium sized animal. It belongs to Euphleridae family. It is brownish red or black colour. It has small hair along the fur. It is about 61cm to 80cm in length and average weight of this is about 7 to 12kgs. It is solitary kind of animal. It has cat like face and dog like snout. They have small years with large eyes facing forward. Cat like long moustache hair. Fossa has webbed feet with retractable curved claws
Habitat
They are largely found in dense forests of Madagascar islands. They are also found in woodland areas of the island. . Severe destruction of habitats and hunting resulted in marking Fossa as an endangered species. It can move up high
Food habits
Fossa are carnivorous animals. It is an ambush hunter. They rely on lizards, frogs, birds, rodents, wild pigs and other small animals. It is usually in the night that they go in search of prey. So in the darkness the black skin of the Fossa becomes camouflaged and becomes easy to seize its prey. And they have really sharp claws makes it easy to tear the flesh of prey.
Reproduction
Fossa has a particular season for breeding that is during September and October. The female Fossa gives birth to two underdeveloped cubs at a time. They can barely open their eyes until three weeks. Almost till two years they stay with the mother.
Interesting facts of Fossa
- Average life span of Fossa is 17 to 20 years.
- They are the top predators of Madagascar.
- They are very solitary and meet other Fossa only during the mating period.
- They are swift climbers. They can quickly climb long trees and mountains. Jumps from one branch to another and hang from there.
- It makes several noises to attract opposite sex for mating.
- Pregnancy of Fossa is about 6 to 7 weeks with 2 to 4 babies.
ambush hunter
carnivorous
Euphleridae family
Fossa
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Madagascar islands
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