The species is found solely in forested habitat, and actively hunts both by day and night. Over 50% of its diet consists of lemurs; tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals are also documented as prey. It is widespread, although population densities are usually low. The fossa is listed as a vulnerable species. It is generally feared by the Malagasy people and is often protected by their fady taboo. The greatest threat to the fossa is habitat destruction.