# Fossa (*Cryptoprocta ferox*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Vulnerable
- **Range:** Forests of Madagascar, from dry deciduous woodland to eastern rainforest.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/fossa/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Eupleridae
- **Genus:** Cryptoprocta

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Cryptoprocta ferox |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Madagascar forests and woodland |
| Lifespan | Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 8 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 50 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |

## Cat-like, but a mongoose relative

Fossas look feline yet belong with Malagasy carnivorans related to mongooses. Retractable claws, a very long tail for balance, and flexible ankles aid head-first descents from trees.

## Lemur specialist predator

Diet centres on lemurs of many sizes, plus rodents, birds, and reptiles. Both nocturnal and diurnal hunts occur; agile leaps through canopy chase arboreal prey.

## Forests across Madagascar

Dry deciduous woodland to eastern rainforest across Madagascar — wherever continuous forest still supports lemurs. They avoid open deforested landscapes.

## Vulnerable with the forests

IUCN lists fossas Vulnerable. Slash-and-burn clearing, hunting, and declining lemur prey shrink populations; protected corridors are essential.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a fossa a cat?

No — it is a Malagasy carnivoran more closely related to mongooses than to true cats, despite the cat-like build.

### What do fossas eat?

Mainly lemurs, supplemented by rodents, birds, and reptiles.

### Are fossas dangerous to people?

They rarely confront humans; conflict usually involves predation on poultry near forest edges.

### Why are fossas Vulnerable?

Deforestation and hunting reduce both habitat and lemur prey across Madagascar.

### Where do fossas live?

Forests of Madagascar, from dry western woodland to eastern rainforest.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/fossa/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.