Fossa (animal)

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Fossa
Fossa from the Cameron Park Zoo, in Waco, Texas
Conservation status
Endangered (EN)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Eupleridae Genus: Cryptoprocta Species: C. ferox
Binomial name
Cryptoprocta ferox Bennett, 1833

The fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) (pronounced "FOO-sa"^{[1] [2]} or Fah-suh) is a mammal endemic to the island of Madagascar. The fossa looks much like a cross between a dog and cat, although it is actually more closely related to the mongoose. It is the largest mammalian carnivore on the island. (The largest carnivore on Madagascar is the Nile crocodile.)

[edit] Anatomy

Male fossas are 75–80 cm (29–31 in) long, plus a tail which is 70–90 cm (27–35 in) long. They weigh 6–10 kg (13–22 lb). Female fossas are 65–70 cm (25–27 in) with a similar-sized tail. They weigh 5–7 kg (11–15 lb).

The fossa is a very agile animal. It can leap from tree to tree and display an agility similar to squirrels. The fossa is extremely cat-like in appearance and behaviour; it is often likened to the clouded leopard, a similar-sized felid native to southeast Asia. It is so cat-like, that it was originally classified as a member of the family Felidae.

[edit] Behavior and habitat

Recent observations indicate the fossa may not be as nocturnal as was once thought. The rarity of these animals likely contributed to the belief that fossa are entirely nocturnal, but recent scientific study has found that they are active both during the day and at night, depending on season and prey availability.^[3] One of the biomes hosting the fossa is the Madagascar dry deciduous forests. The best place to see fossa is in the Kirindy Forest, which is located about 70 km north of the city of Morondava.

[edit] Lifespan

Baby fossas (pups) are born blind and toothless. They are dependent on their mother for about 1 year, and do not even leave the nest until they are four months old. Fossas do not breed until they are about four years old.

Fossas have been known to live 20 years in captivity.

[edit] Phylogeny

Though most still classify and accept that the fossa (along with its close relative the falanouc) is part of the family of viverrids, some have recently reclassified it in a new family of Malagasy civets and mongooses—Eupleridae.

[edit] Diet

The fossa is a carnivore. It is a ferocious hunter that eats small to medium sized animals, from fish to birds, but is particularly adept at hunting lemurs, and is the predominant predator for many species, with only Madagascar's large snakes having any other significant predatory impact. Malagasy folklore often exaggerates the ferocity of the fossa, claiming that it will prey upon cattle, or even humans. The fossil record of Madagascar has yielded the remains of a giant prehistoric fossa (Cryptoprocta spelia), which was about 1.8 m (6 ft) long and weighed 90 kg (200 lb), making it the size of a leopard. This species was believed to have preyed upon the larger, ape-sized lemurs that inhabited Madagascar until the island was settled by man. Fossas have no natural predators, but may be consumed incidentally by the Nile crocodile.

Fossa illustration circa 1927

[edit] Conservation status

The fossa is only found on the island of Madagascar (like many other unique animals that have been found there). In 2000, Luke Dollar (Mustelid, Viverrid & Procyonid Specialist Group) certified there were less than 2,500 mature individuals in fragmented areas in continuing decline. This certification earned the fossa the status of Endangered (EN – C2a) by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Previously, the fossa was listed as 'vulnerable'. The fossa is listed as a Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II animal, which puts restrictions on its export and trade.

[edit] Popular culture

Fossas were featured characters in the DreamWorks film Madagascar, in which they prey on the resident lemurs, who are terrified by the mere mention of them.

[edit] References

1. ^ Hartley, Karen. "Track the Fossa", Nova website. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
2. ^ Croke, Vicki. The Deadliest Carnivore, Madagascar-Travel.net. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
3. ^ Pickrell, John. "Tracking the Fossa, Africa's Elusive Island Predator", National Geographic News, 2 June 2004. Retrieved November 20, 2006.

• Dollar (2000). Cryptoprocta ferox. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is endangered
• Enchanted Learning. Fossa. Retrieved May 30, 2005.
• IUCN Redlist Species 5760. Retrieved May 30, 2005.
• Koepfli et al., "Molecular systematics of the hyaenidae." Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution Mar. 2006: pgs. 603-620

[edit] External links

• ARKive - images and movies of the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
• Lioncrusher's Domain Animal Information Page. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox)
• BBC clip showing fossas pull apart during mating