The Asian Golden Cat (Pardo felis
temminckii, previously been placed in genera Catopuma, Profelis and
Felis), also called the Asiatic Golden Cat and Temminck's Golden Cat, is
a medium-sized wild cat (length 90 centimetres/36 in, plus 50 centimetre/20
in tail) weighing from 12 to 16 kilograms (26 to 35 lbs). In captivity
this species can live up to 20 years, but its average lifespan in the
wild is likely far shorter. While the fur is mostly foxy red or golden
brown, black or grey colour variants may also be found. Normally, the
coat is plain, save for some spots on the underside, and sometimes very
faint spotting on the rest of the coat. However, in China there is a
colour variant with leopard-like spots, which resembles a Leopard Cat.
This spotted fur is a recessive characteristic.
The Asian Golden Cat lives throughout Southeast Asia, ranging from Tibet
and Nepal to Southern China, India, and Sumatra. It prefers forest
habitats interspersed with rocky areas, and is found in deciduous,
subtropical evergreen, and tropical rainforests. The Asian Golden Cat is
sometimes found in more open terrain. It ranges from the lowlands to
altitudes of up to 3000 meters in the Himalayas.
Behavior
Not much is known about this rather elusive predator, and most of
what is known about it has been found out in captivity. Previous
observations suggested that it is primarily nocturnal, but a recent
study on two golden cats showed arrhythmic activity patterns.It is
thought to be primarily solitary. As far as vocalizations go, it can
hiss, spit, meow, purr, growl, and gurgle. Other methods of
communication observed in captive golden cats include scent marking,
urine spraying, raking trees and logs with claws, and rubbing of the
head against various objects.
Asian Golden Cat.
Mythology
In some regions of Thailand the Asian Golden Cat is called Seua fai
("fire tiger"). According to a regional legend the burning of an Asian
Golden Cat's fur drives tigers away. Eating the flesh is believed to
have the same effect. The Karen people believe that simply carrying a
single hair of the cat will be sufficient. Many indigenous people
believe this cat to be fierce, but in captivity it has been known to be
very docile and tranquil.
Subspecies and conservation
The exact population of the Asian Golden Cat is unknown, but it is
listed on "CITES: Appendix I" and as "Lower Risk/Near Threatened" by the
IUCN. It is hunted for its fur and, increasingly, for its bones for use
in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the greatest risk posed
towards the species is habitat destruction. There are few of these
felines in zoos, and they do not breed well in captivity.
There are three subspecies:
* Pardofelis temminckii temminckii, Himalaya, Southeast Asian
mainland, Sumatra
* Pardofelis temminckii dominicanorum, southeast China
* Pardofelis temminckii tristis, southwest China |
