Details
Prionailurus bengalensis
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.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
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.
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.
It is nocturnal and usually solitary. It patrols forest edges and watersides at night and can climb or swim well.
It is carnivorous. Rodents dominate, with birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects also taken.
Kittens are raised in tree hollows, rock crevices, or dense vegetation.
Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. Poultry conflict and past fur use have created pressure in some areas.
