The largest predator in Madagascar is rightfully the fossa. This is the only member of the Madagascar civet genus that has survived only on this island. Fossy inhabits almost the entire area of the island, except for the central part.
The animal resembles a lion, since it has the same massive and squat body, the length of which is on average 70 cm. The height at the withers can be 37 cm, with the weight of the animal up to 12 kg. The hind legs of the fossa are shorter than the front ones and much stronger, all limbs are crowned with short claws. Unlike cats, fossus step on the surface with their entire foot, which makes them look like bears. At the same time, they are very mobile and can nimbly climb trees and move in this way, balancing with the help of their tail.
A short muzzle with long vibrissae and large eyes allows one to navigate freely in the dark. And large fangs will easily cope with the thin fur of a lemur - a favorite prey. The short hair of the animal is of brown and red tones, sometimes completely black individuals are also found.
Basically, the fossa leads a terrestrial lifestyle, preferring twilight for activity, while during the day it hides in caves or in the crowns of trees, trying to hide from the scorching sun. When danger appears, the fossa makes a growl, and the purring of the cubs is no different from the voice of pets.
Fosse has a lonely way of hunting, only during the mating season they burden themselves with companions. They mark the territory with secretion from the glands. After choosing a partner, the female is waiting for three months of pregnancy and babies (2-4 per year). Life expectancy in captivity is only 20 years.
Fossa is a rare species that is on the verge of extinction. They cause inconvenience to farmers, hunting chickens, for which they often pay with their lives. Today, there are a little more than two and a half thousand representatives of these animals.
