The Amazing Fossa

The fossa is an animal that lives on the island of Madagascar. It looks a little like a cat and a little like a dog, but it is its own special animal.

Where it lives

The fossa lives in forests. It needs trees to climb and places to hide.

What it looks like

• Long body and a very long tail (the tail helps it balance).
• Strong legs and sharp claws for climbing.
• Pointed ears and sharp teeth for catching food.

How it climbs and runs

1. The fossa has flexible ankles that let it climb up and down trees, even head-first.
2. Its sharp claws help it grab branches so it does not slip.
3. The long tail keeps it steady when it jumps from one tree to another.
4. On the ground it can run quickly to chase animals.

How it hunts

Fossas can hunt both in trees and on the ground. Here is how they catch their food:

• They move very quietly to get close to animals like lemurs, birds, and small mammals.
• Sometimes they hide in a tree and jump onto the animal.
• Other times they chase the animal fast on the ground and catch it.

Fun facts

• If you include its long tail, a fossa can be about as long as a medium-sized dog.
• They are amazing jumpers and climbers.

How we can help

Fossas need trees and forests to live. When people cut down forests, fossas have trouble finding food and homes. We can help by learning about them, telling others, and protecting forests so fossas can stay safe.