Species of the Day: Fossa The Fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox, is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is the largest mammalian carnivore on Madagascar, and has a wide distribution in the less disturbed forests across the island.
Geographical range
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The main threat to the Fossa is the loss and fragmentation of its habitat, as forests are selectively logged or converted for agriculture and pasture. The species is sometimes killed by local people as a pest of domestic poultry, and is sometimes taken for its body parts, which are used for medicinal purposes. Competition with introduced carnivores such as feral dogs may also be a threat. The Fossa is present in many protected areas throughout Madagascar, and also receives some protection from international trade under its listing on Appendix II of CITES. A successful captive breeding programme is in place for the species, but better protection of its forest habitat is needed, together with awareness programmes to highlight its value in controlling pests, and improved protection under national legislation.
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The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership: IUCN (including the Species Survival Commission), BirdLife International, Conservation International, NatureServe and Zoological Society of London.