the fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox , is a vivverid related to the mongoose, civet, and genet of Africa. It is—after man—the only serious mammalian predator of lemurs. In appearance and behavior, it is much like a Labrador-sized reddish-brown puma. It is arboreal and like the genet has retractile claws (no one seems to have noticed whether—like the genet—it purrs when feeling peaceful).

Confusingly, the fanaloka, a smaller nocturnal relative, is named Fossa fossana by scientists.

Alternative form for fanaloka : fossa.