{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "fossa",
  "name": "Fossa",
  "scientificName": "Cryptoprocta ferox",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "The fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is Madagascar's largest native mammalian carnivore — a slender, cat-like hunter that preys heavily on lemurs in rainforest and dry forest. Adults weigh about 8 kg, climb with remarkable agility, and are listed Vulnerable as deforestation fragments hunting grounds.",
  "conservationStatus": "Vulnerable",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Carnivora",
    "family": "Eupleridae",
    "genus": "Cryptoprocta"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 8,
    "lengthM": 1.5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 50,
    "lifespanYears": 15
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Cryptoprocta ferox"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Madagascar forests and woodland"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 8 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 50 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Vulnerable (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Forests of Madagascar, from dry deciduous woodland to eastern rainforest.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/fossa/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/fossa/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}