Range

The fossa is found exclusively on the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa.

Habitat

The fossa is found in forested areas throughout the majority of Madagascar. They prefer a humid forest to one which is dry.

Reproduction

The fossa breeds in September and October. Mating takes place up in a tree above the ground. The female will occupy this tree for up to a week mating with several males or sharing males with other females. The males will make a large number of vocalisations to attract the female. The female’s decision does not appear to be spurred by physical appearance.

Once the pair agrees to mate then the male will mount from behind the female and grasps her around the waist or on the shoulders.

After 3 months the mother will give birth to a litter of 2 to 6 pups in an underground burrow, termite mound or the hollow of a large tree.

The young weigh in at about 100grams and are blind with no teeth. They have a white or grey-brown coat which is quite small.

The eyes will open at 2-3 weeks of age and at the same time the fur will darken. At 12 weeks of age solid food is first introduced into their diet. They will then wean from milk about a month later. They are dependent on the mother until they are 13 months old. During this time they will gain her attention by making a noise known as mewling.

The adult size of the fossa is achieved at 2 years old and they become sexually mature at 2 years old.