Foussa

/ˈfuːsə/ noun

Definition

A large carnivorous mammal native to Madagascar that resembles a cougar or puma in appearance.

Etymology

From Malagasy 'fosa', the native name in Madagascar for this cat-like carnivore (Cryptoprocta ferox). The word entered English through natural history documentation.

Kelly Says

The foussa is Madagascar's top predator and weighs 10-20 pounds, yet is so fierce it can hunt lemurs bigger than itself—making it the most formidable carnivore on an island of incredible creatures.

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