European fossa (SciiFii)

The European fossa (Cryptoviverrus procta) is a species of medium-sized viverrid, not a fossa, despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, open woodlands across Europe and western Asia to help boost biodiversity. The European fossa is one of the largest viverrids and has been compared to a small cougar, as it has many cat-like features. Adults have a head-body length of 70–80 cm (28–31 inches) and weigh between 5.5 and 8.6 kg (12 and 19 lb), with the males larger than the females. It has semi-retractable claws (meaning it can extend but not retract its claws fully) and flexible ankles that allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and also support jumping from tree to tree. The European fossa is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is found mainly in forested habitat, and actively hunts both by day and night. Its diet consists of primates, deer, ibexes, mouflons, gazelles, moles, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals smaller than itself. Mating usually occurs in trees on horizontal limbs and can last for several hours. Litters range from one to six pups, which are born blind and toothless (altricial). Infants wean after 4.5 months and are independent after a year. Sexual maturity occurs around three to four years of age, and life expectancy in captivity is 20 years. The conservation status of the European fossa is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the European fossa's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii