Species Hang in the Balance

BINOMIAL NAME:

Catopuma Temminckii

ANATOMICAL PROPORTIONS:

2.5-3.5 ft. long (tip-to-tail)/1.2-2 ft. tall/20-35 lbs.

POPULATION (APPROXIMATE):

Insufficient Data 

CONSERVATION STATUS:

NEAR THREATENED

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT:

Rocky areas, deciduous, subtropical, evergreen, and tropical forests, and less frequently the open and high altitude terrain of Southeast Asia, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Sumatra, and the Himalayas

DIET:

Small to mid-sized mammals, tree hyraxes, rodents, small antelopes, birds, and carrion

SPECIES THREATS:

The Asian golden cat is mostly threatened by loss of habitat through deforestation.

Another major threat to the Asian golden cat includes poaching---for its pelt, and for the use of its body parts in traditional Asian medicine.

Probably the most unusual source of Asian golden cat depopulation is meat poaching. Though felines are not usually on the human menu, this cat's meat is considered a delicacy by some cultures.

Lastly, the Asian golden cat is often suspected of---and thus persecuted/ killed for---poaching livestock.

UNIQUE FACTS:

To some of the surrounding cultures where it exists, the Asian golden cat has been nicknamed "fierce tiger." In fact, this cat inspires local mythology and superstition, in a number of ways. Some cultures believe that the golden cat has important, magical powers---they will burn its fur, eat its flesh, and carry around a single one of its hairs (believed to drive tigers away) for protection.

Local people also believe that the Asian golden cat is aggressive and fierce (hence, "fierce tiger)---in captivity, however, the cat proves just the opposite, and can be quite docile and affectionate towards its caregivers/ handlers.

DEVOTED ORGANIZATION:

Asian Golden Cat Alliance

This campaign was necessarily created---through this website---because there was no pre-existing organization for the Asian golden cat. Anyone is welcome to join!

* Please note: this is not a solicitation for money or donations; users may join, free of obligation, commitment, or charge.

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