The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a member of the Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans closely related to the mongoose family. Its classification has been controversial because its physical traits resemble those of cats, yet other traits suggest a close relationship with viverrids. The fossa is the largest mammalian carnivore on the island of Madagascar and has been compared to a small cougar. Adults have a head-body length of 70–80 cm (28–31 in) and weigh between 5.5–8.6 kg (12–19 lb), with the males larger than the females. It has semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and also support jumping from tree-to-tree. The fossa is unique within its family for the shape of its genitalia, which share traits with those of cats and hyenas. The species is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is found solely in forested habitat, and actively hunts both day and night. Over 50% of its diet consists of lemurs, the endemic primates found on the island, though tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals are also documented as prey. The fossa is listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The greatest threat to the species is habitat destruction.
Read the rest of this article: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossa_%28animal%29> _______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries: 1803: The United States purchased France's claim to the Louisiana Territory for 78 million francs, or less than US$0.03 per acre. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase> 1945: World War II: As Allied forces were closing in on Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide in the Führerbunker after being married for one day. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Adolf_Hitler> 1963: A boycott was held in Bristol to protest the Bristol Omnibus Company's refusal to employ Black or Asian bus crews, drawing national attention to racial discrimination in the United Kingdom. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Bus_Boycott%2C_1963> 1980: Iranian Arab separatists captured the Iranian Embassy in London, beginning a six-day siege. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Embassy_Siege> 2009: A Dutch man drove his car at high speed into a parade in an attempt to kill the Dutch royal family. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_attack_on_the_Dutch_Royal_Family> _____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day: palustral (adj): Pertaining to marshes; marshy, swampy <http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/palustral> ___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day: 144px The god of war has gone over to the other side. --Adolf Hitler <http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler> _______________________________________________ Wikipedia Daily Article mailing list. To unsubscribe, visit: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/daily-article-l Questions or comments? Contact [email protected]
