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Habitat: tropical lowland rain forests

Food: lizards, amphibians, birds and insects

Weight, height: 3~7kg, 41~50cm

How many are there?

There are 468~699 left in Taiwan

Lifespan: 4 years(wild), 20 (captivity)

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Its populations are threatened by a lot of reasons, including habitat loss, roadkill, hunting by humans.

Habitat Loss

Due to development and urbanization(in increase of people living in cities and towns) their habitat is shrinking making it harder for them to find prey and mates.

Roadkill

Leopard cats are killed by vehicles when on roads that cross their natural habitat.

Human Hunting

Even if they are not primarily target, they can get caught by traps that aren’t set for them.

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More Endangered Leopard Cats Killed on Taiwan's Roads | TaiwanPlus News

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They are great climbers.

You can find them resting in trees and using high ground as an advantage in hunting.

They are swimmers.

They don’t usually seen in water, but they are capable of swimming.

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Leopard cats in northern China and Siberia are somewhat larger, reaching up to 30 inches in length and weighing up to 16 lbs.

Location and habitat (where the leopard cat lives)

More leopard cats are distributed throughout Asia than any other small wild cat. Its territory includes the Russian Far East to the Korean Peninsula, China, Indochina, and the Indian Subcontinent over northern Pakistan. It inhabits jungles, rainforests, sea-level plantations, shrubland, scrub, semi-deserts, and mountainous locations.

Behavior

Leopard cats lead solitary lives except when it is time to breed. The leopard cat is a skilled climber and adept swimmer, but you rarely find them in the water. They will, however, rest in trees and hide in thorny plants on the ground. Their vocalizations are similar to those of a domestic cat. They mark their territory by spraying urine, leaving feces, head rubbing, and scratching.

Hunting and prey (diet)

Leopard cats usually hunt at night but can sometimes be seen during the day. They are meat-eaters (carnivores) that feed on small prey, including birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, and lizards. Mice and rats constitute the major portion of their diet, which can also include eggs, poultry, grass, and aquatic prey.

Reproduction and lifespan

In some southern areas, leopard cats will mate all year round. Leopard cats living in northern locations will have their young in May. The gestation period averages from 65 to 72 days. Litters are from one to four cubs on average. The lifespan of a leopard cat in the wild is unknown. In captivity, leopard cats can live for over 13 years.

Conservation issues

A vital conservation threat for leopard cats is loss of habitat. They are also hunted and killed for their fur and meat.

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Leopard cat - mainland | species data, conservation, photos - BigCatsWildCats

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The mainland leopard cat is a small wild cat that can be found in various parts of Asia. It is the size of a domestic cat.

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They have unique vocal sound.

Their calls are blend in growls and meows unlike most domestic cats.

They are playful.

Even though they are usually alone, they show playful behavior and interaction with other animals.

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A skilled predator with a unique coat and playful personality

A skilled predator with a unique coat and playful personality

This intriguing species has adapted to a variety of habitats, ranging from the lush, dense jungles to the bustling life of urban cities, showcasing its incredible adaptability and resilience. The leopard cat's appearance is striking and easily identifiable by its luxurious coat, which resembles that of its namesake, the leopard. This coat is adorned with beautifully patterned rosette-shaped spots, serving as a visual marvel and an effective camouflage.

Despite its endearing appearance, the leopard cat is anything but a simple, cute creature. It is a formidable predator, equipped with a variety of skills tailored for hunting. Among its most notable abilities is its proficiency in climbing trees. This skill is not merely for exploration or escape; it is a strategic advantage for hunting from above, allowing the leopard cat to ambush its prey with precision and agility. Additionally, the leopard cat is an adept swimmer, capable of traversing water bodies in pursuit of prey or new territories.

What truly distinguishes the leopard cat from other members of the feline family, however, is its unique personality. Unlike the solitary nature observed in many wild felines, the leopard cat exhibits a more social and playful demeanor. It engages in playful behavior not only with objects, which is common in many animals as a form of practice for hunting techniques but also with other animals.

In addition to its playful nature, the leopard cat possesses a distinctive vocalization that sets it apart from other cat species. Its call is a fascinating blend, sounding somewhere between the familiar meow of domestic cats and a growl. This vocalization is a means of communication and an expression of its unique identity among the vast family of felines. It serves as a reminder of the leopard cat's wild essence, blending familiar and exotic elements.

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Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No

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Threats

Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

My ID

Scientific name: Other names: Number of subspecies: 11 Name of subspecies:

P. b. alleni
P. b. bengalensis
P. b. borneoensis
P. b. chinensis
P. b. euptilurus
P. b. heaneyi
P. b. horsfieldii
P. b. javanensis
P. b. rabori
P. b. sumatranus
P. b. trevelyani

Mainland leopard cat Common leopard cat
Prionailurus bengalensis

Physical traits

Height: 41 cm (16 in) Length: 39 - 66 cm (15 - 26 in) Weight: 1 - 4 kg (1 - 8 pounds) Lifespan: 13 years When species evolved: Pleistocene Species evolved years ago: 4.31 - 1.74 mya Gestation: 60 - 70 days Offspring: 2 - 3 kittens

Habitats: Forest Shrubland Savannah/Grassland

Related lists

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Leopard cat facts, distribution & population | BioDB

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A skilled predator with a unique coat and playful personality

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They are adaptable hunters.

They can hunt a wide range of prey. From wild to farm animals.

They can be active in day or night.

People usually consider leopard cats are nocturnal(active in night), but researchers found out sometimes they come out in the day, with males be more diurnal(active in day)then females.

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International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada

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HB Length: 45-75 cm (18-29″) Tail Length: 19-31 cm (7.4-12″) Height: Approx 41 cm (16″) Weight: 1.7-7 kg (4-15 lbs) Pop. Trend: Stable The most widespread of all small Asian felid…

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Protecting leopard cats is important because as a predator on their habitat they help control prey populations including helping rodents control and maintain ecosystem balance. And as an indicator species they help humans understands habitat health they are also Taiwan’s only wild feline species.

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1. Establish and enforce protected areas in leopard cat habitats🛡️

2. Control use of traps🪤

3. Educate people about leopard cats⚠️📚

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This Rescued Kitten Isn't Just Any Cat—It's a Wild Leopard Cat | Nat Geo Wild