Scientific name:
Cryptoprocta ferox

Natural spread:
Madagascar

co the Fossa as one single representative of the subfamily of the Frettkatzen introduces itself a very particular relative of the Sneak cats, to which the Systematiker grant the position of a living fossil, us. The systematic position of the Fossa is unclear until today. it unifies the characteristics of different Sneak catsunterfamilien with such the cats. its shape is feline, well fox-big with a relatively small head. it possesses a long, slim torso with middle-long limbs, that are fortified with powerful, bent and fully retractable claws. The tail is body-long barely, the fur monochrome auburn until reddish-yellow, short and dense.

Way of life The very ancient Frettkatzen live since it early-tertiary, before 65 Mill. Years, on Madagascar and lives in the forests, in whose trees they are mostly, as pure night-animal there. they are extraordinarily deft climbers and jumpers, who certainly and quickly move however also on the ground. they live in the most important thing of moderate-sized mammals, as semi-monkeys and young pets, why they are not far too very popular with the population. Also, they take birds until turkey-size and house-poultry.

Reproduction Fossas are loners. Therefore, the sexes meet between end April and beginning of May only to the combination-time. The combination even can last hours up to two-three-fourths. The connection of males and females participates so solid that the animals can climb during the mating-act. After approximately 10 weeks of Tragzeit was usually born two kids, whose development runs out unusually slowly. The sexually mature steps only with five years one.

Endangering The Fossa belongs to the endangered types, that are protected through the Washingtoner Artenschutzübereinkommen.