The F lat-headed
Cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is a small wild cat from forested areas,
mainly near water, in Peninsular Thailand, Malaysia (both East and
West), Brunei, and Indonesia (Kalimantan and Sumatra). It is considered
endangered by IUCN due to habitat loss and pollution. It is very rare in
captivity, with only two individuals - both in zoos in Malaysia -
recorded by ISIS in early 2008. Like most other small cats, it has
often been placed in the genus Felis.It has a head-and-body length of
41-50 cm (16-20 in), and a short tail of 13-15 cm (5-6 in).[4] It weighs
1.5-2.5 kg (3.5-5.5 lbs). The thick fur is generally dark
reddish-brown tinged grey, with a more reddish head and whitish underparts. Except for the relatively faint facial streaks, it is rather
unpatterned. The legs are fairly short, and the ears are short and
round. The inter-digital webs on its paws help the cat gain better
traction in muddy environments and water, and are even more pronounced
on this cat than those on the paws of the Fishing Cat. The shape of the
head is atypical for a cat; the skull is fairly long, while the skull
roof, as suggested by both its common and scientific name, is rather
flat.
Behavior and habitat
It occurs in both secondary and primary forest, and most records are
from near water. It mostly hunts for frogs, fish and crustaceans, but
will also catch rats and chickens. It has relatively long premolars, and
is one of the few cats that is unable to retract its claws (the others
being the cheetah, fishing cat, and the Iriomote cat). These adaptions
combined with its behavior have resulted in comparisons with
semi-aquatic mustelids, and it is known for readily entering water.
Overall, however, little is known about its wild behavior, but a
gestation period of about 56 days, and a litter size of 1-2 kittens have
been reported in captivity. Captive individuals have lived for 14+
years. It is generally considered a nocturnal animal, but observations
of captives suggests it is crepuscular.
Status
The Flat-headed Cat is considered endangered by IUCN and listed on
appendix 1 by CITES. The total population is believed to be less than
10,000 adults, with no single sub-population containing more than 1000
adults. While habitat loss and water pollution are serious threats,
sightings from oil palm plantations suggests it is less specialized than
generally believed. The Flat-headed Cat is fully protected throughout
its natural range, except in Brunei, where this species lacks legal
protection. Sightings are generally very rare. |
