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Fossas: Madagascar's Top Predators

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Elusive Fossas are an Endangered Species

What is a fossa? Have you ever heard of a fossa before? You can see the fossa here to the left. It appears to be some kind of feline but scientists have determined that the fossa is neither a cat nor a dog. In fact, the fossa, an endangered species, is its own kind of animal.

The fossa comes from Madagascar and no where else in the world. Madagascar is an island off the coast of Africa and the only home to this endangered species. Fossas are the top predators of Madgascar. They eat small animals. Fossas know how to hide and for many years scientists thought they were just myths until a couple of decades ago when a research student's lemur was captured and eaten by a fossa. That discovery lead to the only known scientific study of fossas.

In this unit study, we will be learning about fossas, their habitat and endangered status. Patience, Grasshopper. You will need to stay very still and hold your position while looking for fossas. Fossas know how to hide!

Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Book)

From the "UNcommon Animals" series

Fossas are so rare that there seems to be only one book available about them. Fossa: A Fearsome Predator tells the story of how Dr. Luke Dollar became the first person to study the fossas of Madagascar. When Luke Dollar went to Madagascar in 1994 he was a graduate student assigned to study lemurs. Unfortunately the lemur he was assigned to study was killed and eaten by a fossa.

Luke soon discovered that the fossa was the top predator of Madagascar but amazingly enough no one had yet chosen to study it. Madagascar is the only place on earth that fossas live.What an opportunity! Luke vowed he would be back on on the trail of the elusive fossa.
Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Uncommon Animals)

Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Uncommon Animals)

by: Meish Goldish

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

This is about the only book I've been able to find on Fossas. After discovering them I planned to leave the library with as many books as I could... a.k.a., one.

What is a fossa?

Fossas were discovered in 1831

According to scientists at the San Diego Zoo...Although the fossa "shares some adaptations with cats, the fossa is closely related to mongooses and civets." Fossas were first discovered by the scientific community on the Island of Madagascar in 1831. They are quite elusive so there was some controversy as to their actual existence until quite recently. Fossas are the top predator in Madagascar and are found no where else in the world.

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San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes: Fossa

Get fun and interesting facts about fossas in an easy-to-read style from the San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes. Buy tickets online and plan a visit to the Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Enjoy games, animal cams and videos, and online shopping.1 point

Fossas and Deforestation in Madagascar

How does deforestation effect fossas as an endangered species?

Like Abungu's small group, many fossas and other animals of Madagascar are endangered due in most part to deforestation. In this video you will learn about the deforestation of Madagascar which continues to diminish the already limited fossa habitat. Fossa populations continue to decline and are thought to be one of the most endangered species.
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Fossa: Caption Contest

What is this fossa saying?

Fossa Pup

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"Hey, look, a lemur!"

3 points

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I SEEEE youuuu

2 points

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"Hey, Mom? MOM!"

1 point

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Don't be so panicked...Its me, your friend........

1 point

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Oh yeah? Make me come down.

1 point

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"Are those french fries?"

0 points

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"Something shiny!"

0 points

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"You looking at me?"

0 points

Grab this list

Fossa: The Fossas of the Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo rules! :D

The Bronx Zoo keeps fossas in order to research ways in which their populations may be increased. Will the research at the Bronx Zoo help to reverse the fossas' status as an endangered species?

Here is a video of fossas at the Bronx Zoo. Watch their mannerisms. Which characteristics in the fossa remind you of a cat? Which characteristics in the fossa remind you of a dog?

Make a Venn Graph using three circles. Put fossa in one, cat in one and dog in the other. Then write your comparisons in the spaces.

This video is also useful for referencing several fossa behaviors and how to animate them.
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Fossas Catch the Tenrecs and Lemurs

Play Fossa Hide and Go Seek

Divide your group into Tenrecs and Lemurs. Now choose a fossa. All of the Tenrecs and Lemurs sit in a circle, bow their heads, close their eyes and cover their ears while the fossa hides. After counting to ten, all the Tenrecs and Lemurs scatter trying not to be caught. The Fussa tries to catch as much prey as possible in 5 minutes. The last prey to be caught is the next fossa.

Fossa: Favorite Character Poll

Which is your favorite fossa?

One day there will be a new movie about one of the most elusive creature on earth, the fossa. Fossa: the Movie will incorporate many fossa behaviors, while showing lovable characters and revealing the true nature behind the Malagasy settling.

Abungu has lived her entire life with her brother Take, her sister Kinuka, her mother Sarika, and her two friends, Zage and Kuru. She has always known the small patch of forest they live in, surrounded by burnt land and fields of rice. But after a shocking discovery, Abungu learns that the forest may soon be shrunk again... and her group may not survive. (Note: Names may be subject to change.)

The poll is here to be voted on, as each character will have a short description. Longer descriptions and pictures of the fossas are coming in the near future.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Fossa: Acrobats

Fossa Acrobats

This video is useful for referencing when animating fossa fights and games. They play so quickly it can be hard to see every movement.
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Fossa: Visit the FtM Website!

Artists, Actors and Animators Wanted for a Movie about Fossas!

We are currently searching for volunteer helpers for the project! Do you have a desire to be a part of a production that might save an endangered species? We will be looking for animators, voice actors, color artists, background artists etc.
Fossa: Official Website
This is the official website for the Fossa Movie. We will be casting during the next year.

Yay!

Abungu (meaning "of the forest") is a gingery-brown fossa with hazel eyes. She was born on Summer Solstice, in 2007. She is the first character in the project who has a name. Abungu is easily worried but also easily reassured. She is curious despite her carefulness. She is thin and a little short both vertically and horizontally. She has white claws and a brownish tail dipped in cream, and her underbelly is cream.

Countdown to Abungu's Birthday

Abungu's Birthday: June 21, 2012

Articles on Fossa Research

Why study fossas?

What kinds of research have been done on fossas? Have there been many studies done on fossas? If you decided to study fossas, what could you find out about them?

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Finding the Fossa: An interview with explorer Luke Dollar - My Wonderful World Blog

Learn about My Wonderful World, a National Geographic-led campaign to increase geographic learning, and meet coalition members.1 point

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Luke Dollar, Conservation Scientist Information, Facts, News, Photos -- National Geographic

Get information, facts, and more about conservation scientist Luke Dollar and his work in Madagascar from National Geographic.1 point

Fossa Prey

What do Fossas eat?

Fossa Prey

Photo Credit: Tanrek
on Wikimedia Commons


Fossas eat mostly lemurs and suppliment their diet with tanreks, a kind of shrew.

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Food Habits of an Endangered Carnivore, Cryptoprocta ferox, in the Dry Deciduous Forests of Western Madagascar

Clare E. Hawkins and Paul A. Racey studied the scat of fossas in a dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar. They discovered that fossas eat mostly lemurs with tenrecs coming a close second. They also discovered that fossas eat more tenrecs during the wet season than during the dry season.1 point

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Tenrecidae - Wikipedia

Tenrecs are very small mammals resembling hamsters. Tenrecs are about 1.8 inches long. They are omnivorous but eat mostly invertebrates. Tenrecs are most closely related to golden moles and elephant shrews. Tenrecs descend from the same common ancestor as aardvarks, hyraxes, elephants, and sea cows.1 point

The Fossa Quiz

What do you know about Fossas?

Folks who are Fascinated by Fossas

Please leave your fossa comments here.

Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Uncommon Animals)

  • LensbyLisa Feb 20, 2012 @ 11:02 am | delete
    I love lenses like this when I learn something new! Thanks for sharing this!
  • Frankster Sep 4, 2011 @ 9:27 pm | delete
    I had never heard of a Fossa. Thanks for educating me. Bear hugs, Frankie
  • akumar46 May 20, 2011 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    Lovely creatures........Nice lens and great information.Thanks.
  • ChineseKitesforKids May 20, 2011 @ 12:22 pm | delete
    You inspire me! You are a big part of the reason I want to homeschool. Great lens! I love all your stuff.
  • annmackiemiller Apr 20, 2011 @ 5:16 pm | delete
    amazing creatures - I would love to visit Madagascar - David Attenbourgh just did a wonderful documentary from there.
    but I digress - dusted with a little Angel Dust and featured on Angel Blessed in April
  • Jimmie Dec 1, 2010 @ 2:09 am | delete
    I want to know more. What are they? Cats? Related to weasels? Tasmanian Devils?
  • vallain Nov 30, 2010 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Fascinating to see how they used their tails for balancing and also the way they could grasp a limb with their hind legs and dangle down.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jan 9, 2010 @ 8:47 am | delete
    Nicely done, Evelyn. I like how you've incorporated many different Squidoo modules.
  • Evelyn_Saenz Jan 9, 2010 @ 9:49 am | delete
    Thank you, Brenda. This lens was a collaboration between my 13 year old and I. She is fascinated by the animals of Madagascar and especially fossas.
  • Evelyn_Saenz Oct 29, 2009 @ 10:22 pm | in reply to Tipi | delete
    Thank you, SquidAngel.
  • Tipi Oct 29, 2009 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Another great lens Evelyn. I had never heard of this animal, so once again I am your student.
    Thank you and blessed by an angel!
    Susie
  • inkserotica Oct 28, 2009 @ 4:45 am | delete
    Fascinating creature :) 5*
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About the Author of this Fossa Lens

My daughter and I collaborated on this fossa unit study.

Find more about Evelyn, unit studies she has written and her other interests here:
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Fossas in the Kingdom



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Evelyn_Saenz

My passion is teaching and finding ways to teach children in fun, hands-on, creative ways. The unit studies I make on Squidoo reflect my view that learning... more »

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Fossas and their Habitat 

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Fossa Information 

Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Uncommon Animals)

Fossa: A Fearsome Predator (Uncommon Animals)

by: Meish Goldish

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now

This is the only book available on Fossas.

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