Malagasy Civet

Fossa fossana

The Malagasy Civet is an interesting mammal that is actually more related to the Fossa than the Palm Civets of mainland Africa and Asia. Like the Fossa, it is found on the island of Madagascar, and lives in forested areas.

Malagasy Civets are small and almost foxy in appearance. They have short, brown, spotted fur, with a tail that they use for storing food reserves in during the winter. Malagasy Civets are ground dwelling carnivores that forage at night for frogs, birds, insectivores, and invertebrates.

Pairs form up during the mating season, and they will defend a territory together, marking it with scent from cheek and anal glands. Young Civets can walk within a few days of birth, but take 2-3 months to wean and will often remain with the parents for up to a year.

Malagasy Civets are currently experiencing a population downturn due to habitat loss, hunting, and food competition with introduced species.

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IUCN Status :  Near Threatened
Location : Madagascar
Size : Body length up to 18in (46cm)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Eupleridae -- Genus : Fossa -- Species : F. fossana