The fossa’s scientific name means ‘ferocious animal with a hidden anus’. Its anus is concealed by a pouch that contains scent-marking glands. Using secretions from these, and glands located on its chest, it marks rocks, trees, and the ground in its territory. Both males and females use scents to ‘talk’ to one another. The fossa also emits a strong stink through its scent glands when it is annoyed or scared.

Interestingly, adolescent females sport an enlarged and spiky-looking clitoris, which gradually disappears as they come of age. The fossa is the only known mammal to display this temporary masculinisation, which is thought to protect the adolescent females from sexual harassment from males, as well as territorial aggression of mature females. During breeding season, females consort with multiple males. Copulation can last six hours or more at one go, accompanied by a blood-curdling mating call.

What makes the fossa Madagascar’s top predator? Its adaptations include a good sense of smell and keen vision, even in low-light conditions. Long whiskers help it to sense its surroundings; a long tail provides balance while it moves in trees. Sharp, semi-retractable claws, coupled with flexible ankles enable it to climb down a tree head first!

The fossa is featured as a sly and dangerous creature in Malagasy folklore. It can turn invisible by contracting the pupils of its eyes. Just with a fart, the fossa can kill a coop of chickens. The fossa is believed to steal babies from their cribs and snatch children wandering alone in the forest. It licks a person into a deep sleep before cutting him open. These myths once protected the fossa. It was feared in most parts of Madagascar. But now, more fossas are being hunted by humans.