Freaky Fossas

While we're on the subject of Madagascar (see two previous posts), I wanted to introduce you to one more of the island's oddities.  Madagascar doesn't have bears or wolves and no really big cats like lions and tigers.  So what is the island's largest predator?  Something that sort of looks like a cat, but isn't - a fossa.  The fossa is actually in a class by itself and more closely related to the mongoose.  Its body is similar to a cat and has semi-retractable claws, but has a head that looks too small for its body.  Take a look.

Photo by Ran Kirlian  Source:  Wikipedia

Males are generally larger than females, adults weighing in at 15 to 20 pounds with bodies around 30 inches long.  Fossas do climb trees and, in fact, move through the branches with ease using its long tail for balance.  They have a varied diet which, unfortunately, includes lemurs, as well as tenrecs, rodents, lizards, and birds.  Litters of pups can be as many as six and in captivity fossas can live up to 20 years.

Photo by Luke Dollar   Source:  National Geographic

Fossas are mainly found in forested areas and is listed as 'vulnerable' due to habitat loss.  It is active both during the day and at night.  To see a video, click here.