Leopard cat

The difference between leopard cats and cats -
taken from Taiwan leopard cats Conservation Association

	leopard cats profile
	scientific name: Asian leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis
	common name: lynx
	Introduction: The leopard cat is a small cat widely distributed in East and South Asia. It is the only existing native cat species in Taiwan. Although the leopard cat is not endemic to Taiwan, it is a top consumer of Taiwan's shallow mountain ecosystem and is an important keystone species and umbrella species. In recent years, the population distribution and number of leopard cats have been shrinking and decreasing, and the population situation is becoming increasingly critical.
	Conservation status: Level 1 endangered protected wild animals (Source: Ministry of Agriculture)

	The shape and identification of leopard cats
	Appearance: The body shape is similar to that of a domestic cat, but the snout is short, the ears are round, the trunk and limbs are longer, the tail is slightly shorter, the body length is about 55-65 cm, the tail length is about 27-30 cm, and the weight is about 3-6 kg. The body size of a male leopard cat is smaller than that of a domestic cat. The female leopard cat is big. The body color varies from grayish brown to yellowish brown, and the body and tail are covered with brown and black spots similar to the size of coins.
	Identification method: 1.There are two white stripes on the forehead and inside the eye sockets. 2.The ears are round and the back is black with white markings. 3.The body and tail are covered with brown and black spots 4.The tail is slightly short and fluffy

	leopard cat’s activity habits and range
	Activity habits: Leopard cats are solitary animals and are mainly active at night, with peak activity in the morning and evening. The leopard cat has a secretive habit, has excellent hearing, vision and smell, and is good at climbing trees. The markings on its body have a good concealing effect and are not easy to be discovered.
	Domain behavior: Leopard cats have a large range of activities and are territorial. When patrolling the territory, they will mark the territory with claw marks, smell, urine and feces to convey messages.
	Scope of activities: The activity range of the leopard cat is very large. Research shows that the activity range of the male leopard cat is 6-9 square kilometers, and that of the female leopard cat is 2 square kilometers. The activity range of the leopard cat will partially overlap. Each leopard cat has a small core area within its activity range (an average of 0.7 square kilometers), which is its most active area. The core areas of leopard cats do not overlap. (Source：陳美汀，2008)

	Food habits of leopard cat
	Food characteristics: In the shallow mountain environment dominated by forests, grasslands and farmland, the small mammals (rats, squirrels, hares), birds, amphibians and reptiles, insects, aquatic fish and crustaceans that inhabit it are all the leopard cat's food. , based on dietary analysis, studies show that rats are the main food of leopard cats, followed by birds. In recent years, analysis of the stomach contents of roadkill individuals has revealed records of leopard cats also entering waters to catch fish and crabs. The leopard cat plays the role of the top predator of the food chain in the shallow mountain ecosystem and is an indicator animal for the health of the ecosystem.
	Food list: ★Small mammals: rats, squirrels, shrews, hares ★Birds: Passeriformes, Galliformes, Columbiformes, Railidae ★Insects: Orthoptera, Coleoptera ★Amphibians: frogs ★Reptiles: lizards, snakes ★Aquatic life: fish and crustaceans

Breeding of leopard cat

Introduction:
leopard cats can reach sexual maturity when they are over 1 year old and can breed throughout the year. Current data shows that late winter and early spring are the peak times for the birth of young leopard cats. Generally, they breed once a year. If they fail to raise young, they will mate and breed again.
The gestation period of the leopard cat is about 63 days. The female leopard cat can give birth to 1-3, mostly 2, babies per litter. The newborn cubs weigh 80-110 grams, and their eyes open around 10 days after birth.
The female leopard cat raises its young alone. The baby leopard cat lactates for about 2-3 months. After that, it follows the female leopard cat to familiarize itself with the environment in the field and learns hunting and life skills. When the baby leopard cat is about 5-6 months old, , will leave the female leopard cat to live alone and gradually establish its own territory.

Leopard cat

Crisis of Leopard cats

Leopard cat

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