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  • Fossa

Fossa

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Quick facts

Lifespan

Lifespan

Up to 23 years

Under human care

Diet

Diet

Lemurs, rodents, reptiles

Also amphibians and arthropods

Habitat

Habitat

Forests

Range

Range

Madagascar

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The fossas

Talking scents

Talking scents

The fossa’s scientific name means ‘ferocious animal with a hidden anus’. Its anus is concealed by a pouch that contains scent-marking glands. Using secretions from these, and glands located on its chest, it marks rocks, trees, and the ground in its territory. Both males and females use scents to ‘talk’ to one another. The fossa also emits a strong stink through its scent glands when it is annoyed or scared.
Private matters

Private matters

Interestingly, adolescent females sport an enlarged and spiky-looking clitoris, which gradually disappears as they come of age. The fossa is the only known mammal to display this temporary masculinisation, which is thought to protect the adolescent females from sexual harassment from males, as well as territorial aggression of mature females. During breeding season, females consort with multiple males. Copulation can last six hours or more at one go, accompanied by a blood-curdling mating call.
Built to hunt

Built to hunt

What makes the fossa Madagascar’s top predator? Its adaptations include a good sense of smell and keen vision, even in low-light conditions. Long whiskers help it to sense its surroundings; a long tail provides balance while it moves in trees. Sharp, semi-retractable claws, coupled with flexible ankles enable it to climb down a tree head first!
Tales of the fossa

Tales of the fossa

The fossa is featured as a sly and dangerous creature in Malagasy folklore. It can turn invisible by contracting the pupils of its eyes. Just with a fart, the fossa can kill a coop of chickens. The fossa is believed to steal babies from their cribs and snatch children wandering alone in the forest. It licks a person into a deep sleep before cutting him open. These myths once protected the fossa. It was feared in most parts of Madagascar. But now, more fossas are being hunted by humans.

Together, we protect wildlife

Saving Fossas

Saving Fossas

Wild fossas are losing their forest homes. Lemurs, their main prey, are disappearing due to deforestation. Fossas are killed as pests for preying on domestic chickens.

Our fossas are managed under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which involves coordinated breeding efforts by participating zoos. Transfer of individuals between these zoos is based on genetic compatibility. We hope to eventually breed our fossas and contribute to the continued survival of the species.

IUCN 级别

VU

易危

在野外面临高灭绝风险

IUCN 濒危物种红色名录

IUCN 濒危物种红色名录

《IUCN 濒危物种红色名录》被普遍认为是全球最全面客观评估动植物种群保育级别的标准性文件。

DT

Data Deficient

Unknown risk of extinction

LC

无危

灭绝风险相对较低

NT

近危

在不久的将来可能成为易危物种

VU

易危

在野外面临高灭绝风险

EN

濒危

在野外面临很高的灭绝风险

CR

极危

在野外面临极高的灭绝风险

EW

野外灭绝

仅存活于人工养殖环境

EX

灭绝

野外与人工养殖环境均无存活个体

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每日开放时间

上午 8.30 至傍晚 6.00(最后入园时间:下午 5.00)

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万礼湖路80号,新加坡邮区729826

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