Identification:
Resembling a domestic cat, this animal weighs 3–5 kg and has a body length of 450–550 mm, with a tail length of 250–290 mm. The soft fur is yellowish-white with numerous irregular black spots, each bordered by a brownish-yellow ring. The belly and legs are greyish-white. The head features black and white stripes running from the crown to the nose. The nose is pale pink, and the fur around the mouth is white.
Biology and Ecology:
The species inhabits poor secondary forests, shrub savannas, and areas near cultivated fields. They lack a fixed dwelling. They are agile, adept at climbing, and good swimmers. They are nocturnal, sleeping during the day in tree hollows, rock crevices, thick bushes, or high up in large trees. They often ambush prey, waiting for it to pass before pouncing and biting the nape of the neck. They feed on mice, squirrels, birds, amphibians, and insects (grasshoppers, locusts). Their preferred food is mice.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Found throughout the midlands and mountainous regions, including recovered forests on rocky coastlines in Central Vietnam.
- Global: Formerly the Soviet Far East, Korea, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Use Value:
As they consume mice, they are beneficial to agricultural and forestry production. This species of the Felidae family provides beautiful fur, valuable raw materials for medicine, and has commercial value.
Conservation Status:
The population of this species in Vietnam is declining. To protect the natural resources, it is suggested to prohibit the exploitation of wild populations and consider captive breeding.