MadagascarAt just 5–8 kg, the Fossa is one of the lightest carnivore mammals (#30 of 32). Found in Madagascar, it inhabits rainforests, madagascar habitats.
Physical Characteristics & Habitat
Size & Speed
| Metric | Fossa | Carnivore Mammals Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.5 kg | 50 kg | ↓ 87% |
| Height | 80 cm | — | — |
| Top Speed | 46.5 km/h | 48 km/h | ↓ 3% |
| Avg Speed | 46.5 km/h | — | — |
Habitat & Distribution
The Fossa inhabits rainforests, madagascar habitats. It can be found in Madagascar.
Typical coloring: Brown, Reddish-brown.
Diet & Predators
Behavior & Reproduction
Social Structure
The Fossa is a solitary species belonging to the Eupleridae family.
Reproduction
Conservation & Comparison
IUCN Conservation Status
VU The Fossa is classified as Vulnerable. There are 34 species with the same status in our database.
Species Comparison
Among 32 carnivore mammals, the Fossa’s weight of 5–8 kg is significantly lower than the group median of 50 kg.
Weight rank: #24 of 34 Vulnerable species.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sperm Whale | Up to 57000 kg | VU |
| 2 | African Elephant | 2700–6000 kg | VU |
| 3 | Great White Shark | Up to 2268 kg | VU |
| 4 | Hippopotamus | 1300–3200 kg | VU |
| 5 | Gaur | 600–1300 kg | VU |
Related Species
How much does a Fossa weigh?
A Fossa typically weighs 5–8 kg, which is exceptionally low compared to the median of 50 kg among carnivore mammals.
What is the conservation status of the Fossa?
The Fossa is classified as “Vulnerable”. There are 34 species with the same status in our database.
Where does the Fossa live?
The Fossa is found in Madagascar, in rainforests, madagascar habitats.
How does the Fossa reproduce?
The Fossa has a gestation period of 90 days and typically produces 2-4 offspring per birth.
Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026