What is rusty spotted cat?

The Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is one of the world's smallest wild cats, rivaled only by the Black-footed Cat. It is native to India and Sri Lanka.

  • Appearance: These cats are characterized by their rusty-colored spots and stripes over a greyish background. The underparts are whitish. They have a relatively short, rounded face.

  • Habitat: Rusty-spotted cats prefer moist and dry deciduous forests and grassland habitats. In Sri Lanka, they are also found in rainforests.

  • Distribution: They are primarily found in <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/India">India</a> and <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Sri%20Lanka">Sri Lanka</a>. Their presence has also been reported in Nepal.

  • Size and Weight: They typically weigh between 0.9 and 1.6 kg (2.0 and 3.5 lb) and are about 35–48 cm (14–19 in) in head-body length with a tail of 15–30 cm (5.9–11.8 in).

  • Behavior: Rusty-spotted Cats are primarily nocturnal and are thought to be largely arboreal (tree-dwelling). They are generally elusive and difficult to observe in the wild.

  • Diet: Their diet is thought to consist of rodents, birds, and insects.

  • Conservation Status: The IUCN lists the Rusty-spotted Cat as <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Near%20Threatened">Near Threatened</a> due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as potential threats from hunting and hybridization.