FOUSSA  , or FossA, the native name of Cryptoprocta ferox, a somewhat

cat-like or civet-like mammal peculiar to Madagascar, where it is the largest carnivorous animal . It is about twice the size of a cat (5 ft. from nose to end of tail), with short close fur of nearly uniform pale brown . Little is known of its habits, except that it is nocturnal, frequently attacks and carries off goats, and especially kids, and shows great ferocity when wounded, on which account it is much dreaded by the natives . An example lived in the London zoological gardens for nearly fourteen years . See CARNIVORA .