Kirindy Fossa

The fossa in Madagascar

Information about Fossa

The fossa is the largest carnivorous mammal on the island of Madagascar. They can reach nearly six feet in length, with half of that due to their long tails. They look like a cross between a cat, a dog, and a mongoose. Fossas have slender bodies, muscular limbs, and short, reddish-brown coats. They have small, cat-like heads, short, dog-like muzzles, and large, rounded ears.

Interesting facts about Fossa

Fossas are mainly solitary. With the exception of mothers with young and brief pairings during the breeding season, fossas are solitary animals. They patrol and defend territories as large as four square kilometers.

Fossas communicate largely through scent glands. Both males and females occupy territories that they scent mark with secretions from glands on their chests and under the base of their tails. Fossas mark rocks, trees, and the ground to communicate and keep track of each other. Their glands also release a pungent smell when the animal is irritated or frightened.

They are agile climbers. The fossa's long, slender tail provides balance as it moves through the trees, and its semiretractable claws and flexible ankles allow it to climb up and down trees head-first.

Pictures of Fossa

Kirindy Fossa
Kirindy

Highlights where the Fossa can be seen

Kirindy
Diurnal Visit Kirindy

A visit to Kirindy Forest during the day offers a completely different but equally captivating experience. As the sun illuminates the dry deciduous forest, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including the rare Verreaux's sifaka, red-fronted lemurs, and a host of colorful birds. The forest's distinct landscape, with its towering baobabs and dense vegetation, provides a stunning backdrop for exploring on foot. Daytime also offers better visibility for spotting the park’s reptiles, including chameleons and snakes, while the fossa, Madagascar’s largest predator, may occasionally be seen resting in the shade.

Kirindy
Nocturnal Visit Kirindy

Visit the Kirindy Forest during nighttime! As darkness falls, the park comes alive with nocturnal creatures. On foot, guided by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll explore the dense forest, with the chance to spot Madagascar’s famous nocturnal residents like the elusive fossa, various lemur species, chameleons, and other reptiles. The cooler night air adds a sense of mystery, and the soft sounds of the forest heighten your senses, making every rustle and movement exciting. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to witness Madagascar's wildlife in its most active hours.

Our trips to spot the Fossa