Species Hang in the Balance

BINOMIAL NAME:

Felis Nigripes

ANATOMICAL PROPORTIONS:

1.5-2.5 ft. long (tip-top-tail)/ 10 inches tall/ 3-4 lbs.

POPULATION (APPROXIMATE):

10, 000

CONSERVATION STATUS:

VULNERABLE

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT:

Arid, semi-desert and grassland regions across African, in the countries of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe

DIET:

Small mammals, like rodents and hares, as well as small birds

SPECIES THREATS:

Mostly due to a loss of habitat (and consequently its prey species) the relatively small population of black-footed cats is steadily declining.

Indiscriminate methods of predator control (like poisoning and trapping) is another significant threat to the black-footed cat.

UNIQUE FACTS:

Evident from its diminutive proportions, the black-footed cat is likely the smallest cat in the world (even smaller than most domestic breeds).

The species never, or else rarely ever drinks water, because it obtains a sufficient amount of moisture from its diet.

Many legends also refer to the black-footed cat's ferocity, one of which involves killing a giraffe. While such claims are clearly myths, the cat nevertheless has a well-established reputation for being fierce---even as a tiny kitten, the cat will hiss and scratch at any perceived threat (which also means that, no matter how closely it resemble a domesticated cat, it does NOT make a good pet).

DEVOTED ORGANIZATION:

Black-Footed Cat Working Group

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