Expert: Fady D. Isho - 1/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hypothetically,how would the fossa do against either of these animals of similar weights?
-I've included a pic of the fossa,hopefully this is allowed.

Thank you very much,and have a wonderful day.

[IMG]http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g235/scottwolverine1111/fossa.jpg[/IMG]

ANSWER: Hi, Scott

Fossa vs Bobcat: I am afraid the Fossa
(Cryptoprocta ferox) would not do too well, Feline's are known to dominate over Mustelidae and I am sure Eupleridae wouldn't do much better.
Fossa's however are very agile and adept at climbing and leaping; they could rather easily escape the threat of a Bobcat by retreating to a near tree.
If cornered however, I am sure the Fossa could put up a good fight.
But a felid is too well armed, the Fossa an animal which is built from leaping from tree to tree to catch Lemur's needs dexterity, however with this it lacks formidable retractile claws.
Which the Bobcat has in its fore-and hind limbs as well as a broad jaw, and sharp fangs.
I still would like to emphasize that the Fossa could get out of reach of a Bobcat with minimal effort.

Fossa vs Fisher: The Fisher would be at an advantage, it has retracile claws in both limbs.
And being as intelligent as they are, they would use these claws to keep the Fossa's teeth and jaws away from its body.
Fisher's also have the potential to take out larger animals then the Fossa, even Lynx!
Of course anything like Cryptoprocta spelea would be too much for a Fisher.

Fossa vs Perentie: I think this conflict would consist mostly of the Fossa circling and tiring the Perentie also knawing, and taking nips at the Perentie's tail.
If the Perentie managed to catch the Fossa however it could be in trouble.
Recent evedince suggests the Perentie's bite is venomous, which would mean that the Fossa would not last long after the Perentie has bitten it.
But since the odds of a the extremley agile Fossa being bitten are slim to none.
We can be safe to assume the Fossa would drive off the Perentie.

Ps- About your picture where the IMG code has been taken from photobucket.
The best (only) way for me to see a picture would be too send me the link.
But no worries I am well aware of a Fossa's image ;).


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer Fady,I enjoyed reading it as have other.
My follow up,

Fossa vs.Bobcat
-I was puzzled about the "felines dominating mustilids" comment.Perhaps you might elaborate?

Fossa vs. Fisher
-The fossa seems to have a significant weight advantage over the fisher,so perhaps you might elaborate on the advantages the fisher has over the fossa.
-Concerning the sharp retractable claws of the fossa,yes they are short,but does this make them ineffectual as weapons?

Fossa vs. Perentie
-I wonder how the perentie's reaction speed compares to a    
similiar sized croc?

Thanks again.  

Answer
Hi, Scott

Felids have been known to dominate over smaller mustelids whever they co-exist a bobcat being larger then a fossa would probably be the same case.

For example the Eurasian and Iberian lynx both kill smaller mustelids such as the marten,polecat, and weasels.
African Leopards have been known to kill honey badgers. Lions prey on honey badgers as well.
Jaguars kill giant otters in the Amazon basin, and even Cougars have been known to prey on wolverines!
As a matter of fact even weasels are recommended to be kept away from domesticated cats.
For more information on this matter visit a friend of mine "Malcolm" in the tigers section.

About the Fossa vs Fisher, I believe you asked who would have the advantage at similar weights, nonetheless the Fisher could very well win.
About the claws, Fossa's have them as well however they are short and aren't helpful in a conflict, they are unretractable and thus they ware out on the ground and are dull.
A good example is the Cheetah (acinonyx jubatas) who doesn't use its claws in a conflict unlike other felids because they aren't sharp.
As an upside they provide better traction on the ground when running, and even the Cheetah has an exception its "dew claw" remains off the ground when it runs and it retains its sharp feature, it is the only claw that is used as a weapon.
About the weight difference Fishers can reach 7-11  kilograms , Fossas normally weigh about 7-13 kilograms.

As for the perentie's reaction speed compared to a crocodile, actually I am sure the crocodile has better reactions they can explode out of the water at
80 kilometers p/h and a single pebble making contact to a crocodiles jaws can trigger an instant shutting reaction.
But I am guessing you mean maneuverability, perentie's are more maneuverable in comparison to crocodilians however you must also remember that the Fossas reduced collar bone gives it more agility then a Tiger or Lion, it wouldn't be long before the Perentie tired as well, so the Fossa only needs to keep away from the Perentie for a while before it becomes vulnerable.

Feel free to contact me if you have any doubts.