Тhe far eastern leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura needs to be in the red data books of Primorsky krai and Russian Federation

Abstract

The Far Eastern leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura, is currently recognized as one of the four genetically distinct subspecies of the leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis. Previously included in the USSR and RSFSR Red Data Books as a rare species with limited distribution, its enlistment in the regional Red Data Book of Primorsky Кrai, the core habitat area of Russian leopard cat population, is now in question. This article provides information on the cat’s current taxonomic status based on karyological analysis of samples collected from the Primorsky Krai territory, recent molecular genetic studies, the available information on current distribution and population size estimates, proposals for further research. Based on a synthesis of all data, this report recommends including the Far Eastern leopard cat in the Red Data Book of Primorsky Krai and the Red Data Book of Russian Federation as a rare subspecies on the northern edge of species distribution.