Fossa Cryptoprocta ferox
The Fossa is the largest native, carnivorous mammal on Madagascar and endemic to the island.
Despite its resemblance to a big cat, it is most closely related to the mongoose family, particularly Madagascar's
Ring-tailed Mongoose (Vontsira).
Confusingly, the scientific name Fossa fossana refers to the Malagasy Civet, a less-close, also cat-like, relative of the Fossa.
The Fossa is active both day and night. An excellent climber, it hunts mainly lemurs but also smaller mammals and birds.
Fossas fill the niche of a medium-large wild cat on Madagascar.