Leopard cat

Prionailurus bengalensis

Size: 38–66 cm · 1.5–7.5 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Leopard cat is a small Asian cat with leopard-like spotting that ranges from forest to farmland edges. Poultry conflict and past fur use have created pressure in some areas.

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Key facts

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Felidae.
Primary habitats are forest · grassland · freshwater, with a range across Palearctic · Indomalayan.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Leopard cat is a small Asian cat with leopard-like spotting that ranges from forest to farmland edges.
It inhabits forests, bamboo, grassland, and rice-field edges across East, South, and Southeast Asia.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits forests, bamboo, grassland, and rice-field edges across East, South, and Southeast Asia. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, grassland, freshwater.

Appearance

Typical length 38-66 cm, weight 1.5 kg-7.5 kg. Tawny fur with dark spots and stripes, a slim body, and fairly long legs are typical.

Behavior

It is nocturnal and usually solitary. It patrols forest edges and watersides at night and can climb or swim well.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Rodents dominate, with birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects also taken.

Reproduction

Kittens are raised in tree hollows, rock crevices, or dense vegetation.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Poultry conflict and past fur use have created pressure in some areas.