JUNGLE CAT FACTFILE
NAME Jungle Cat
SCIENTIFIC NAME Felis chaus GEOGRAPHIC RANGE Egypt through Southwestern Asia to India and South- east Asia. HABITAT Wetlands, woodlands, open plains, grasslands and scrub. LIFESPAN 10-15 years
WEIGHT 5– 16kg
DIET Rodents, young wild pigs, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. WILD POPULATION Unknown
IUCN RED LIST STATUS
Currently not at risk of becoming extinct in the wild. GENERAL DESCRIPTION Despite their name, Jungle Cats are not found in jungles. They are typically found in wetland habitats, and commonly referred to as the Reed Cat or Swamp Cat. These cats have been found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, deciduous forest and cultivated landscapes. It is thought the Jungle Cat is an adaptable cat and very successful across some of its range, namely India. Jungle Cats are closely related to domestic cats, and themselves were domesticated by ancient Egyptians and used to hunt wildfowl. Jungle Cats have been found mummified in tombs in Egypt and been depicted in ancient wall art. The Jungle Cat typically hunts early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so un- like most wild cats are not nocturnal. They primarily hunt small rodents and birds, however are also strong swimmers and will dive into shallow water to catch fish. During mating season, male jungle cats will ‘bark’, similarly to a dog, to attract a mate. Males and females will come together to mate, but the male will then leave the female to rear the young. Kittens reach full maturity at approx. 11 months.
JUNGLE CAT RANGE
THREATS
• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation– the destruction of wetlands because of human settlement, drainage for agriculture, pollution and wood-cutting. Aquaculture in the form of shrimp farms is of particular concern to Jungle Cat populations. Jungle cats rely on a healthy wetland system so ongoing destruction of this habitat type is a serious threat. Although these cats have been seen adapting in cultivated settings, their prey species have not, resulting in depleted numbers.
• Human– wildlife conflict– in cultivated areas, where prey number have been depleted, jungle cats will target livestock. Jungle Cats are then seen as a pest species by farmers who lay traps, poison and snares.
• Poaching– Jungle Cats are trapped and used for bush meat in India. Jungle cat skins are also sought after. Skins used to be exported in huge numbers from India, but was then made illegal. Illegal trading still occurs across some of the Jungle Cat range.