Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
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Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground
Cryptoprocta ferox
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar and has been described as having the appearance of a small cougar or a jaguarondi, due to its rounded ears, cat-like body and long tail (Nowak, 2005).
The name Cryptoprocta means ‘hidden in the hinder parts’. This refers to an anal pouch containing a gland that secretes foul-smelling fluid (Gotch, 1979). This pouch also conceals the anus (Kohncke 1986).
ferox refers to its exaggerated reputation of being fierce (Gotch, 1979).
These animals are terrestrial and arboreal (Hawkins 2008) - they are excellent climbers and extremely agile when moving through trees (Nowak 2005).
Species detail
-
Taxonomy
The name Cryptoprocta refers to an anal pouch which in Cryptoprocta ferox contains a scent gland that produces a foul-smelling fluid. Read on to discover other features that have also contributed to its name.
-
Distribution
Cryptoprocta ferox is endemic to Madagascar where it lives in forested areas, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions. Find out more.
-
Biology
Cryptoprocta ferox is the largest carnivore on Madagascar. Find out why some people think it looks like a cougar.
-
Behaviour
Cryptoprocta ferox are solitary except during the breeding season. Find out more about this species’ unusual breeding behaviour.
-
Conservation
The number of fossa in the wild has decreased by a third in 20 years. Humans pose the main threat to their survival. Find out more.
-
References
About the author
Toolbox
Share this
Glossary
Crepuscular – active at dawn and dusk
Plantigrade - walking with the podials and metatarsals flat on the ground