Fossa  (Cryptoprocta ferox)

Recent surveys have revealed the fossa population on Madagascar to be fewer than 2,500 individuals (1). Habitat loss is one of the main causes of decline, and fragmented populations become isolated in remaining forest patches (1). Probably the most important threat to survival however, comes from local farmers who regard fossas as serious predators of poultry (1).

Fossas are protected in a number of Madagascan reserves; they are found within the Ankarana and Analamera Special Reserves, and within the Ranomafana, Andasibe-Mantadia and Montagne d'Ambre National Parks (6). A successful captive breeding programme has also been established (1), and it is hoped that these measures will be sufficient to secure the future of one of Madagascar’s most enigmatic and fascinating mammals.