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Prionailurus

Prionailurus is a genus of small wild cats in the family Felidae, subfamily Felinae, consisting of five species of spotted felids endemic to Asia. These species—the mainland leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis), fishing cat (P. viverrinus), flat-headed cat (P. planiceps), and rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus)—are characterized by their compact builds, ranging from about 1 kg in the rusty-spotted cat to up to 16 kg in the fishing cat, and distinctive rosette or spot patterns on their coats.^[1] The genus is part of the Leopard Cat phylogenetic lineage, supported by strong molecular and morphological evidence, with species diverging over the past million years; the Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis) was recognized as distinct from the mainland leopard cat in 2017 based on genetic evidence.^[1] Members of Prionailurus inhabit a broad array of ecosystems across South, Southeast, and East Asia, from Pakistan and India in the west to the Russian Far East, Japan, and the Sunda Islands in the east.^[1] Preferred habitats include tropical and temperate forests, grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands, with some species like the fishing cat and flat-headed cat showing adaptations to semi-aquatic environments such as mangroves and riversides.^[2] Their diets are carnivorous and opportunistic, primarily comprising small mammals like rodents, alongside birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and occasionally fish or crustaceans, varying by species and local availability.^[2] For instance, the leopard cats (P. bengalensis and P. javanensis) frequently prey on rodents in forested and agricultural areas.^[2] Conservation challenges for Prionailurus species stem mainly from habitat destruction due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and wetland drainage, compounded by hunting and human-wildlife conflict in some regions.^[1] As of 2025, IUCN Red List assessments reflect this variability: P. bengalensis is classified as Least Concern (assessed 2022) owing to its wide distribution, while P. javanensis has not yet been separately assessed but is considered to share a similar status; P. rubiginosus is Near Threatened (assessed 2020), P. viverrinus is Vulnerable (assessed 2025), and P. planiceps is Endangered (assessed 2015), with ongoing needs for population monitoring and habitat protection.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]

Taxonomy

Etymology

The genus name Prionailurus derives from the Ancient Greek terms príōn (πρίων; "saw") and aílouros (αἴλουρος; "cat"), reflecting the serrated, saw-like configuration of the upper carnassial teeth characteristic of species within this group.^[8] Prionailurus was established as a distinct genus by Russian naturalist Nikolai Alekseyevich Severtzov in 1858, marking a key contribution to felid taxonomy.^[8] Severtzov initially designated it for a single species, the leopard cat (Felis bengalensis, then known as Felis pardochrous), a small felid native to the Indian subcontinent.^[8] This proposal emerged amid 19th-century advancements in classifying Asian felids, where Severtzov emphasized dental traits to differentiate Prionailurus from the broader Felis genus; specifically, he highlighted the laterally compressed carnassial teeth featuring sharp, blade-like crests adapted for shearing prey.^[8]

Phylogenetic position

Prionailurus belongs to the subfamily Felinae within the family Felidae, specifically positioned in the monophyletic "leopard cat lineage" or Prionailurus group, which also includes the genus Otocolobus (Pallas's cat). This lineage is closely related to other Felinae genera such as Leopardus (ocelot lineage) and Lynx (lynx lineage), forming part of a broader clade that diverged from the pantherine cats (Pantherinae) during the late Miocene.^[9] A seminal phylogenetic analysis by Johnson et al. (2006) utilized nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences from 38 felid species to reconstruct the family tree, confirming the monophyly of Prionailurus with strong bootstrap support (99-100% for nuclear DNA). The study estimated the divergence of the leopard cat lineage from the domestic cat lineage (Felis) at approximately 6.2 million years ago (95% CI: 4.8-8.6 Ma), within the broader Felidae radiation that began around 10.8 Ma in the Miocene. This genetic evidence underscores Prionailurus as one of the more derived lineages in Felinae, adapted to diverse Asian environments following post-Miocene migrations.^[9] Morphological synapomorphies supporting the phylogenetic placement of Prionailurus include specialized carnassial teeth, such as the upper fourth premolar (P^4) and lower first molar (M_1), with optimized notches (e.g., P^4 metastyle-paracone and M_1 protoconid-paraconid) for efficient shearing of small vertebrate and invertebrate prey. Cranial features, including a short rostrum and elongated temporal fossa relative to condylobasal length, enhance bite force and temporalis muscle leverage suited to capturing agile, diminutive quarry, distinguishing the genus from larger felids. These traits align with the Felinae small cat clades and are evident across Prionailurus species.^[10]^[11] Post-2017 genetic studies have refined Prionailurus taxonomy using mitochondrial markers like the cytochrome b gene. For instance, Patel et al. (2017) analyzed full mitochondrial genomes and found deep divergence (up to 5.5% in cytochrome b) between mainland Asian leopard cats (P. bengalensis) and Sundaic populations, leading to the elevation of the latter to full species status as P. javanensis based on genetic, phylogeographic, and morphological distinctions. Such revisions highlight ongoing evolutionary differentiation within the genus, driven by Pleistocene isolation events.^[12]

Species

The genus Prionailurus comprises five extant species of small wild cats, all native to Asia and characterized by spotted or rosetted pelage adapted to forested or wetland environments. Prionailurus bengalensis, the leopard cat and type species of the genus, is widespread across mainland Asia from the Indian subcontinent to eastern Russia and Indochina, inhabiting diverse habitats from tropical forests to grasslands. It exhibits variable subspecies with spotted coats resembling a miniature leopard. The species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its broad distribution and adaptability, though local populations face habitat pressures. Prionailurus javanensis, the Sunda leopard cat, is endemic to insular Southeast Asia, including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines, occupying similar habitats to its mainland relative but with distinct genetic divergence. Elevated to full species status in 2017 from a subspecies of P. bengalensis following phylogenetic studies revealing significant differences in mitochondrial DNA and morphology, such as darker pelage and shorter tails in some populations. It is provisionally assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, reflecting ongoing habitat fragmentation in its island ranges.^[13] Prionailurus viverrinus, the fishing cat, is a wetland specialist distributed across South and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia, with a stocky build and unique partially webbed paws adapted for semi-aquatic foraging. This morphological trait, including elongated foot pads for traction on wet surfaces, distinguishes it from other Prionailurus species. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List owing to severe wetland habitat loss and incidental trapping.^[14] Prionailurus planiceps, the flat-headed cat, is a rare species endemic to Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula, favoring peat swamp forests and mangroves, with a distinctive depressed skull profile and short legs that give it a flattened head appearance relative to congeners. This morphology, including a broad palate and specialized dentition for fish prey, sets it apart within the genus. It holds Endangered status on the IUCN Red List due to extensive deforestation in its limited range.^[15] Prionailurus rubiginosus, the rusty-spotted cat, is the smallest wild felid, occurring in South Asia from Sri Lanka to India, with a compact body under 1 kg and a tawny coat marked by rusty spots and stripes, differing from the bolder rosettes of other Prionailurus species. Its diminutive size and agile build are key distinguishing traits. The species is categorized as Near Threatened on the 2025 IUCN Red List assessments, driven by habitat conversion and low population densities.

Description

Physical characteristics

Species of the genus Prionailurus are small to medium-sized felids, with head-body lengths ranging from 35 to 85 cm, tail lengths from 13 to 30 cm, and weights from approximately 0.8 to 16 kg. The smallest species is the rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus), which measures 35–48 cm in head-body length and weighs under 2 kg, while the largest is the fishing cat (P. viverrinus), reaching up to 85 cm in head-body length and 16 kg in weight.^[14]^[16] The fur of Prionailurus species is typically short and dense, featuring spotted or rosetted patterns in tawny, ochre, or gray tones over a paler underbelly, though some like the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) exhibit more uniform reddish-brown coats with minimal markings. Ocelli, or white spots on the backs of the ears, are a common trait across the genus, aiding in camouflage and communication.^[2]^[15]^[14] Cranially, Prionailurus cats possess a rounded head with a short muzzle, except in the flat-headed cat where the skull is notably elongated and flattened; all species have 30 teeth, including carnassials with a shearing notch adapted for processing small vertebrate prey. Limb structure varies by species but generally includes relatively long legs supporting arboreal or terrestrial agility, with stockier, more powerful builds in species like the fishing cat for navigating wetland environments.^[2]^[15]^[14]

Adaptations

Species of the genus Prionailurus exhibit a range of morphological and physiological adaptations suited to their diverse habitats, particularly wetlands, forests, and tropical environments. These traits enhance their hunting efficiency, sensory perception, and survival in challenging conditions. The fishing cat (P. viverrinus) displays specialized aquatic adaptations that facilitate swimming and fishing in wetland habitats. Its hind feet are webbed, allowing it to propel itself efficiently through shallow water while keeping its front paws free to scoop or grab prey such as fish.^[14] The front toes are partially webbed, aiding in underwater prey capture by improving dexterity and reducing slippage.^[17] Additionally, its short, dense, and coarse fur provides waterproofing and thermal insulation, protecting against prolonged exposure to water while maintaining body heat.^[14] These features, combined with stocky legs and a broad head, enable the fishing cat to dive and hunt effectively in aquatic environments.^[18] In the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps), cranial morphology is adapted for low-light hunting in dense wetland vegetation. The skull features a markedly flattened forehead and elongated, narrow head, which may reduce its profile and aid in navigating tight spaces or under foliage.^[15] Forward-facing, large, and closely set eyes provide enhanced binocular vision and stereoscopic depth perception, crucial for accurately striking at elusive prey like fish and amphibians in dim conditions.^[15] Sensitive vibrissae (whiskers) around the muzzle further assist in detecting subtle water movements or prey proximity in murky, low-visibility habitats.^[19] Camouflage and sensory adaptations across Prionailurus species support nocturnal and crepuscular lifestyles in forested environments. Melanistic forms, characterized by predominantly black pelage, occur in species like the leopard cat (P. bengalensis), providing superior camouflage in dense, shaded understory where light penetration is minimal.^[20] Heightened night vision is facilitated by the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that amplifies low-light detection by reflecting photons back through the photoreceptors, a trait shared among felids including Prionailurus.^[21] Acute hearing, enabled by mobile pinnae and sensitive inner ear structures, allows detection of high-frequency prey sounds, such as those from small rodents or insects rustling in vegetation.^[22] Thermoregulation in Prionailurus is supported by compact body sizes, which optimize surface-to-volume ratios for efficient heat management in humid tropical climates.^[23] Northern populations of the leopard cat (P. bengalensis) have thicker, greyish-brown pelage, enhancing insulation against temperate winters in regions like the Russian Far East.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The genus Prionailurus occupies a broad core range across South and Southeast Asia, extending from the temperate zones of eastern Russia and Japan in the north to the tropical Sunda Islands and the Philippines in the south. This distribution encompasses diverse biogeographic regions, including the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula, reflecting the genus's adaptability to various Asian ecosystems.^[2]^[13] Among the species, the leopard cat (P. bengalensis) exhibits the widest distribution, spanning mainland Asia up to approximately 40°N latitude. It occurs from the Russian Far East, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan (including Tsushima and Iriomote Islands), through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia (Malay Peninsula).^[2] The Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis) is more insular, confined to the Sunda Shelf and adjacent areas, including Indonesia's Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Borneo, as well as the Philippine islands of Palawan, Negros, Cebu, Panay, and possibly Masbate.^[13] The flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) is restricted to Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula (extending into southern Thailand), with a highly fragmented range and an extent of occurrence of approximately 80,000 km², of which over 70% of historical suitable habitat has been lost due to extensive habitat conversion.^[15]^[24] The fishing cat (P. viverrinus) ranges through South and Southeast Asia, from Pakistan, India (including Sri Lanka), Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and historically Vietnam and Java (Indonesia).^[14] Finally, the rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus) is limited to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka, occurring in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.^[25] Historical ranges for several Prionailurus species have contracted significantly due to human activities such as deforestation and agricultural expansion. For instance, P. planiceps has lost over 70% of its historical habitat, resulting in isolated populations, while P. viverrinus is no longer confirmed in Vietnam and has experienced significant range contraction in Pakistan and other parts of its former range.^[15]^[14] In overlap zones, sympatry occurs in Southeast Asia, particularly between P. bengalensis and P. viverrinus in Indochina and parts of the Indian subcontinent, as well as between P. bengalensis and P. planiceps on the Malay Peninsula.^[2]^[14]

Habitat preferences

Species of the genus Prionailurus primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, favoring a variety of forested and open landscapes that provide cover and proximity to water sources. Preferred habitats include evergreen and deciduous forests, wetlands, mangroves, and grasslands, with many species showing adaptability to human-modified environments such as plantations and agricultural edges. These cats generally occur from sea level up to elevations of 3,000 m, particularly in the Himalayan foothills for P. bengalensis, though most are restricted to lowlands.^[2] The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) occupies a broad spectrum of habitats, including tropical rainforests, temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, shrublands, and successional grasslands, often near water bodies in both pristine and disturbed areas like rubber and oil palm plantations.^[2] In contrast, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a wetland specialist, preferring marshes, swamps, riverine forests, mangroves, and tidal wetlands, with a strong dependence on freshwater systems such as streams and oxbow lakes.^[26] The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is closely tied to lowland tropical rainforests, peat-swamp forests, and riverine areas below 100 m elevation, where it utilizes riparian zones near marshes, lakes, and streams for its semi-aquatic lifestyle.^[15] Similarly, the rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) thrives in drier environments, including thorny dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands, occasionally extending into adjacent agricultural fields and ravines.^[27] The Sunda leopard cat (Prionailurus javanensis) exhibits versatility across island habitats, inhabiting pristine tropical forests, swamp forests, scrub, and secondary growth, as well as selectively logged areas, oil palm and rubber plantations, and even sugarcane fields, with a preference for sites offering understory cover in humid tropical climates.^[13] Across the genus, individuals often select microhabitats with dense vegetation for concealment and arboreal elements in forested settings, while tolerating seasonal monsoon influences in their humid to subtropical ranges.^[2]

Ecology and behavior

Diet and foraging

Species of the genus Prionailurus are primarily carnivorous, with diets dominated by small mammals such as rodents and shrews, supplemented by birds, reptiles and amphibians, and varying proportions of fish and invertebrates depending on habitat and species.^[28]^[29] Their opportunistic feeding allows adaptation to local prey availability, including occasional consumption of domestic poultry in human-modified landscapes.^[30] Among the species, the fishing cat (P. viverrinus) exhibits pronounced piscivory, with fish detected in 70% of scats (frequency of occurrence) via DNA metabarcoding, while microscopic analysis shows mammals comprising 39% of prey occurrences (FO 62%) and birds 27% (FO 43%), alongside reptiles (12% PO, FO 20%), amphibians (1% PO, FO 1%), fish (16% PO, FO 25%), and invertebrates like mollusks and insects.^[31] The flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) similarly specializes on aquatic prey, primarily fish and frogs, with additional crustaceans, small rodents, and birds, using specialized dentition to grasp slippery items.^[15] In contrast, the rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus) relies heavily on rodents (95% of diet), with minor contributions from reptiles (6%), insects (14%), birds (5%), and plant matter (9%).^[32] The leopard cat (P. bengalensis), the most widespread species, shows high dietary plasticity, favoring rodents in mainland Asia but shifting to reptiles and amphibians where small mammals are scarce, such as on islands like Iriomote.^[28]^[23] Foraging in Prionailurus species is predominantly nocturnal, employing ambush tactics with stealthy stalking from ground cover or low branches, followed by short bursts of speed to capture prey; they are solitary hunters that occasionally climb or swim to pursue targets.^[23]^[15] Fishing and flat-headed cats often submerge their heads to catch live fish in shallow water.^[33] Seasonal variations occur, with some species like the leopard cat increasing consumption of domestic prey or invertebrates during winter when wild small mammals decline, while fishing cats opportunistically target more crabs and rodents in dry periods.^[30]^[34]

Reproduction and development

Species in the genus Prionailurus exhibit a polygynous mating system, in which males maintain territories that overlap with those of multiple females and attempt to mate with several during the breeding period.^[23] Like other felids, they are induced ovulators, with ovulation triggered by copulation or related stimuli.^[35] Breeding patterns vary by latitude and climate; in tropical regions, mating occurs year-round, while in northern areas it is seasonal, typically from late winter to early spring—for instance, P. bengalensis breeds between February and May.^[36] Gestation lasts 60–70 days across the genus, resulting in litters of 1–4 kittens, with an average of 2–3 per litter.^[37] Newborn kittens weigh 75–130 g and are born blind and altricial, with eyes opening between 10 and 14 days after birth.^[23] Females provide sole parental care, rearing offspring solitarily in dens or sheltered sites; males may occasionally contribute but typically do not participate extensively.^[23] Kittens are weaned at 2–3 months, beginning to accompany the mother on hunts and consume solid food, including prey items that support lactation demands.^[38] They achieve independence between 6 and 10 months, dispersing to establish their own territories, and reach sexual maturity at 9–12 months, though some individuals may mature as early as 10 months in captivity.^[36] Variations exist among species; for example, P. viverrinus produces litters of up to 4 kittens, with captive records showing higher infant mortality rates potentially linked to management factors.^[39] In the wild, Prionailurus individuals typically live 8–12 years, while those in captivity can survive up to 15 years or more.^[40] Species of the genus Prionailurus are predominantly solitary, maintaining individual territories that typically range from 2 to 15 km², with males generally possessing larger ranges than females.^[23]^[39] These territories are marked using urine and secretions from scent glands to communicate presence and boundaries.^[41]^[42] Social interactions among Prionailurus are limited, consisting primarily of transient pairings between males and females during mating periods and temporary family groups formed by mothers with their kittens.^[17]^[43] Aggression between individuals is minimal outside of breeding seasons, reflecting their largely asocial lifestyle.^[44] Communication in Prionailurus relies on a combination of vocalizations, olfactory signals, and visual displays, without evidence of complex social structures. Vocalizations include hisses and growls for threat displays, purrs during contentment or nursing, and other sounds like guttural mews.^[45] Olfactory marking via urine and gland secretions reinforces territorial boundaries, while visual cues such as tail flicking or ear positioning convey agitation or alertness.^[46]^[47] Variations exist across species; for instance, the leopard cat (P. bengalensis) exhibits weakly territorial behavior with overlapping home ranges in areas of high prey availability, potentially allowing for looser spatial associations.^[44] In contrast, the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) is highly elusive, with ranging patterns and social dynamics remaining poorly understood due to limited observations.^[48]^[49]

Conservation

Status and threats

The conservation status of Prionailurus species varies across the genus, with most classified as Least Concern or Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List, but two species—fishing cat (P. viverrinus) and flat-headed cat (P. planiceps)—listed as Vulnerable and Endangered, respectively, due to ongoing declines driven by habitat loss.^[14]^[15] Overall population estimates for the genus exceed hundreds of thousands, but mature individuals of the threatened species total fewer than 20,000, reflecting fragmented and declining subpopulations.^[2]^[14]^[15] Primary anthropogenic threats to Prionailurus species include habitat destruction through deforestation and wetland conversion.^[50] Wetland drainage for agriculture and aquaculture has particularly impacted wetland-dependent species like the fishing cat, exacerbating fragmentation and isolation of populations.^[51] Poaching for the international fur trade, including leopard cat (P. bengalensis) pelts used in fashion, and illegal wildlife trade further compound declines, with seizures indicating persistent demand in Asia.^[52] Human-wildlife conflict arises from perceived predation on livestock or fish stocks, leading to retaliatory killings, while roadkill and pollution from agricultural runoff pose additional risks across modified landscapes.^[53]^[51] Species-specific risks highlight the genus's vulnerability: the flat-headed cat maintains a critically low population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals, primarily threatened by significant expansion of oil palm plantations that have converted millions of hectares of its peat swamp and lowland forest habitat in Borneo and Sumatra since 2000.^[15]^[54] The fishing cat faces intensified pressures from aquaculture development, which has drained mangroves and wetlands across its range, contributing to a global population of 3,000–7,500 individuals with declining trends in key areas like Bangladesh and India.^[14]^[51] Climate change amplifies these threats by altering prey availability through shifting fish populations and increased wetland flooding or drying, potentially reducing habitat suitability in coastal ranges for species like the fishing and flat-headed cats.^[55]^[56]

Conservation measures

Conservation measures for Prionailurus species emphasize habitat protection, legal safeguards, scientific monitoring, and community involvement to address their vulnerability across fragmented ranges in Asia. Key protected areas include the Sundarbans mangrove forests in India and Bangladesh, which safeguard significant populations of the fishing cat (P. viverrinus), and Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia, supporting the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) through wetland and forest preservation. Approximately 20-30% of the genus's estimated range overlaps with reserves, though coverage varies by species and is often insufficient for rarer taxa like the rusty-spotted cat (P. rubiginosus).^[14]^[57]^[58] Legal protections are provided through international and national frameworks. Most Prionailurus species are listed under CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade, while the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) is in Appendix I, prohibiting commercial trade; populations of the leopard cat (P. bengalensis) in India, Bangladesh, and Thailand also receive Appendix I status. Nationally, India bans trade in all Prionailurus species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and Indonesia prohibits hunting and trade of native felids including the Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis) under Law No. 5/1990 on Conservation of Living Resources. These measures aim to curb poaching for the pet trade and skins, though enforcement remains challenging.^[59]^[2]^[60] Research and monitoring efforts utilize non-invasive techniques to inform management. Camera trap surveys, such as those conducted in Nepal's Chitwan and Koshi Tappu areas from 2020-2024, have documented fishing cat distributions and densities, contributing to IUCN reassessments. For the rusty-spotted cat, genetic studies including biobanking of gametes and oocytes support ex situ conservation, with ongoing genomic sequencing to assess population viability. These initiatives, often led by groups like the Fishing Cat Working Group, provide baseline data for habitat suitability modeling and threat mitigation.^[61]^[62]^[63] Community-based initiatives enhance on-ground protection. Anti-poaching patrols, involving local stakeholders in Cambodia's Prey Nup mangroves, monitor fishing cat habitats and reduce snaring incidents. In Sri Lanka, ecotourism programs around Horton Plains National Park promote awareness of the rusty-spotted cat, generating funds for conservation while minimizing human-wildlife conflict. Habitat restoration efforts, such as community-driven mangrove replanting in coastal Bangladesh and India, bolster wetland ecosystems critical for P. viverrinus, with over 10,000 trees planted since 2020 through alliances like the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance.^[64]^[65]^[66]

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Leopard Cat - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
This is a pretty cat with round ears, black on the back with a white spot, big eyes, and a snout with a typical spotted and light and dark striped pattern. Coat ...Family · The Lineages · Domestic Cat BreedsMissing: key | Show results with:key
[33]
AnAge entry for Prionailurus bengalensis
Female sexual maturity: 365 days; Male sexual maturity: Gestation: 62 days; Weaning: 45 days; Litter size: 2.5 (viviparous); Litters per year: Inter-litter ...Missing: independence | Show results with:independence
[34]
Prionailurus viverrinus (fishing cat) - Animal Diversity Web
Fishing cats are considered one of the largest of the lesser cats. Fishing cats are powerfully built with short limbs and a stocky body.
[35]
Leopard Cat Breed Complete Guide - A-Z Animals
Leopard cats typically mate from September to March, but this season can extend throughout the year in warmer areas. Males are territorial and competitive over ...Missing: independence | Show results with:independence
[36]
Prionailurus iriomotensis (Iriomote cat) - Animal Diversity Web
There was a clear peak in births for the month of May. Gestation is estimated at 60 days based on observations of leopard cats ( Prionailurus bengalensis ). ...Scientific Classification · Reproduction · Behavior<|control11|><|separator|>
[37]
Fishing Cat - Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Adults can weigh 13 to 26 lb (6-12 kg) and measure 2-3 feet long (0.6-1 m). Fishing cats are powerfully built with short limbs and a stocky body. They have a ...
[38]
Prionailurus rubiginosus (rusty-spotted cat) - Animal Diversity Web
According to IUCN Red List, rusty-spotted cats have an estimated combined population total in India and Sri Lanka of under 10,000 mature individuals.
[39]
Spatial organization and diet of the leopard cat (Prionailurus ...
Feb 28, 2006 · Spatial organization of the leopard cats was characterized as weakly territorial with similar intrasexual range sizes and minimal seasonal variation.Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
[40]
Some roar, some purr - Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project
Because of their elusive nature, little is known about their vocal cues but they have been observed making hisses (no they don't speak parseltongue), guttural ...
[41]
[PDF] Functional insights on chemical communication of fishing cats
Nov 20, 2024 · Fishing cats use volatile compounds in urine and marking fluid, including 3MMB, for sex-specific communication, and less volatile compounds as ...
[42]
Heads and Tails: An Analysis of Visual Signals in Cats, Felis catus
Sep 21, 2021 · We attempt to decipher the most significant features of a visual configuration involving the combination of tail and ear positions in interactions between cats.Missing: Prionailurus flicking
[43]
Flat-headed Cat - International Society for Endangered Cats
The Flat-headed Cat is one of the most endangered cat species in the world. Over 70% of their historical habitat has been converted to croplands, plantations ...
[44]
Prionailurus planiceps - Plazi TreatmentBank
Mar 22, 2022 · Activity patterns. Thought to be nocturnal. Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information. Breeding. Gestation 56 days, litter ...
[45]
Population dynamics of the globally threatened fishing cat ...
Across most of its range in South and Southeast Asia, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) faces multiple threats, including habitat loss, road mortality, ...
[46]
Saving Asia's fishing cat means protecting threatened wetland habitat
May 9, 2024 · Spread across Asia, this small wild cat species faces myriad threats, including habitat loss, hunting and retaliatory killings, road kill, and ...
[47]
Asian Leopard Cats: A Wild Treasure Tainted by the Pet Trade
Poaching and habitat loss threaten the survival of these wild cats, as individuals are captured from their natural habitats to supply the demand for ...
[48]
(PDF) Status, current distribution and threats of the Fishing cat ...
Sep 30, 2021 · Fishing cat have been facing extinction threats mainly due to poaching, over-exploitation of local fish stocks, retaliatory killing, wetland ...
[49]
Mysterious, at risk, understudied flat-headed cat lacks conservation ...
May 29, 2024 · Like many felids, flat-headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps) are at risk of extinction and are categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List, as ...Missing: status | Show results with:status
[50]
Prionailurus cats in the Indian subcontinent - PMC - PubMed Central
Oct 30, 2020 · rubiginosus is endemic to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with the larger part of its global population occurring in India. This lineage originated ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[51]
Lowland forest loss and climate-only species distribution models ...
This study investigated the impacts of using climate-only species distribution models with anthropogenically truncated occurrence data on future predictions, ...
[52]
Assessing the distribution and habitat use of four felid species in ...
This study provides important documentation of small felid distribution in Sumatra, information for the development of management strategies within the park.
[53]
Prionailurus cats in the Indian subcontinent | Scientific Reports
Oct 30, 2020 · rubiginosus is endemic to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with the larger part of its global population occurring in India. This lineage originated ...
[54]
Prionailurus bengalensis - CITES
Prionailurus bengalensis ... **II** [FAMILY listing Felidae spp.] Included in Appendix II, except for the species included in Appendix I. Specimens of the ...
[55]
Are we doing enough to protect the World's small wild cats?
The key threats to the small wild cat species were identified as: habitat loss and degradation, human-small wild cat conflict, hunting and poaching and vehicle ...
[56]
ranging behavior of the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in ... - NIH
Jan 10, 2025 · Home range studies provide valuable insights into animal ecology and behavior, informing conservation efforts and management strategies.Missing: diet papers
[57]
[PDF] Fishing Cat: Status and its Conservation in Wetlands of Chitwan ...
The fishing cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus viverrinus is one of the twelve felid species found in Nepal (Lamichhane et al., 2016). Their resemblance ...
[58]
[PDF] efforts and results in biobanking felid oocytes and sperm
Jan 31, 2019 · A: Immature oocyte of a rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) ... Gamete banking has the significant potential to save genetic.
[59]
Saving the elusive Fishing Cats of Cambodia's mangroves
Our goal is to protect and restore habitats that fishing cats call home. We're protecting and reviving Cambodia's mangroves for communities, biodiversity and ...
[60]
SRI LANKA: Fishing Cat and Rusty-spotted Cat Quest - - Wise Birding
This tour has a clear focus on looking for mammals and two cats in particular, the Fishing Cat and the Rusty-spotted Cat.Missing: ecotourism | Show results with:ecotourism
[61]
[PDF] Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance 3 - Year Report 2020 - 2023 (2024)
The on-going conservation program includes activities like camera trapping, conservation outreach, engaging private landowners in fishing cat conservation and ...