Golden Cat Research Articles

Late Miocene Carnivora from Chad: Herpestidae, Viverridae and small-sized Felidae

The small-sized feliforms (Viverridae, Herpestidae, Felidae) from the Late Miocene fossiliferous area of Toros-Menalla, Chad, are described. The Viverridae are represented by dental and postcranial remains of two species: a new, large-sized viverrid, Sahelictis korei n. gen. n. sp., which is characterized by a more trenchant dentition than in Viverra spp., and an indeterminate species similar in size to Viverra howelli. The Herpestidae are represented by a subcomplete mandible with partial dentition assigned to Herpestes sp., similar in size to the smallest individuals of the extant Herpestes naso and H. ichneumon. Felids are known from two, possibly three small-sized species. Fragmentary dental and postcranial remains indicate the presence of one or two species of the size of the golden cat ( Profelis aurata). A partial skeleton of a wildcat-sized species assigned to Felis sp. is also described; this record is by far the earliest record for the genus in Africa.

Tsetse fly host preference from sleeping sickness foci in Cameroon: Epidemiological implications

To determine the tsetse fly host preferences in two sleeping sickness foci of southern Cameroon, four entomological surveys (two in each focus) were carried out. For the whole study, 4929 tsetse flies were caught: 3933 (79.8%) Glossina palpalis palpalis, 626 (12.7%) Glossina pallicera pallicera, 276 (5.6%) Glossina nigrofusca and 94 (1.9%) Glossina caliginea. One hundred and thirty-eight blood meals were collected and the origin of 118 (85.5%) meals was successfully identified: 38.4% from man, 23.9% from pig, 20.3% from sitatunga ( Tragelaphus spekeii), 2.2% from sheep and 0.7% from golden cat ( Profilis aurata). The number of Glossina palpalis palpalis with man blood meals is more important in the Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) focus showing endemic evolution (Campo) than in the focus (Bipindi) presenting a flare up of the disease. The consideration of both results of the prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in vertebrate hosts and those of the tsetse fly host preferences indicates a wild animal reservoir of Gambian sleeping sickness and three transmission cycles (human, domestic and wild animals’ cycles) in southern Cameroon HAT foci.

The diversity and activity patterns of wild felids in a secondary forest in Peninsular Malaysia

A study to describe the diversity of wild felids was carried out in Jerangau Forest Reserve, Ulu Terengganu, Malaysia, using camera traps, over a period of 21 months. A total of 24 camera traps were used, with a total of 5,972 trap days. Six species of wild cats in five genera were recorded: tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, golden cat Catopuma temminckii and marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata. This represents all but two of the felid species known to occur in Peninsular Malaysia. The use of camera traps provided detailed information on the occurrence and activity patterns of these relatively secretive mammals. The most frequently photographed species was tiger (38.5% of records) followed by leopard (26.3%) and leopard cat (21.9%). The presence of charismatic flagship species such as tiger in this unprotected lowland dipterocarp secondary forest will be of help to local conservation organizations and the Wildlife Department in any proposals for the protection of these areas.

ECOLOGY OF THREE SYMPATRIC FELIDS IN A MIXED EVERGREEN FOREST IN NORTH-CENTRAL THAILAND

Abstract We report on the natural history of 3 rare and mostly unstudied felids, the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii), and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. From February 1999 to February 2003, 4 clouded leopards (2 males and 2 females), 2 Asiatic golden cats (1 male and 1 female), and 1 female marbled cat were captured, radiocollared, and tracked for 1–17 months. Clouded leopards exhibited annual ranges (95% minimum convex polygon) of 22.9–45.1 km2, traveled an average of 1,932 m each day, and were active during 58% of diel activity readings. Asiatic golden cats ranged 32.6–47.7 km2, traveled an average of 1,597 m each day, and exhibited an arrhythmic activity pattern of 58% activity. A marbled cat was tracked for 1 month, ranged 5.3 km2, and was primarily nocturnal in its habits. Examination of limited data indicated diverse prey use by clouded leopards. Illegal hunting and collecting of aloewood (Aquilaria crassna...

Comparative immobilization of wild felids in Thailand.

We immobilized individuals of four free-ranging felid species, leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii), and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) with ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride (KH-XH) and with tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride (TH-ZH) between March 1998 and July 2002. Mean (+/-SD) dose of KH and XH was 26.51+/-5.71 mg/kg and 1.89+/-0.43 mg/kg, respectively (n=25), and mean dose of TH-ZH was 11.61+/-3.39 mg/kg (n=28). Dose was significantly correlated with induction time (P<0.001) and duration of anesthesia (P<0.05), but not with recovery time. There were significant differences between the drug combinations in time to induction (P<0.03) and time to anesthesia (P<0.01); recovery times were not significantly different. We conclude that immobilization of these felids with TH-ZH and KH-XH is effective and safe, but TH-ZH is preferred because of the smaller volume of drug necessary for sedation, faster time to induction, and absence of prolonged muscle rigidity during anesthesia.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing wild carnivores in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand.

Ixodid ticks were collected and identified from 8 wild carnivore species in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. Six tick species belonging to 4 genera were recovered and identified from 132 individuals. These included Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 36), Haemaphysalis asiatica (n = 58), H. hystricis (n = 31), H. semermis (n = 3), Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides (n = 3), and Ixodes granulatus (n = 1). Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) (n = 19) were infested with 4 tick species, whereas yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) (n = 4), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (n = 2), and dhole (Cuon alpinus) (n = 1) were infested with 3 tick species, Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temmincki) (n = 2) with 2 species, and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), binturong (Arctictis binturong), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha) each infested with 1 species. This information contributes to the knowledge available on the ectoparasites of wild carnivores in Southeast Asia.

I ♡ Wild Cats

I ♡ Wild Cats

Trophic relations in a community of African rainforest carnivores.

The factors that promote ecological separation among closely related sympatric carnivores in tropical forests are poorly understood due to a paucity of field studies. Here, we report on community-wide food resource utilization patterns among eight co-existing carnivores in the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic, based on a collection of 666 scats that were identified using a combination of methods, including thin-layer chromatography. Members of the assemblage took advantage of the diverse array of food resources characteristic of tropical forest habitats by adopting a variety of feeding strategies, such as carnivory, insectivory, frugivory, and piscivory. Broad-scale dietary separation was evident among most pairs, with only 6 of 21 exhibiting food niche overlaps that exceeded 50%. The marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) and African civet (Civettictis civetta) were the most specialized with respect to food habits. Highest trophic overlaps were evident between the most carnivorous [leopard (Panthera pardus) and golden cat (Profelis aurata)] or insectivorous [mongooses (Herpestes naso and Bdeogale nigripes)] species. Unlike other animal groups, species richness of the food resource base was not a key factor structuring this rainforest community. Stronger roles were instead played by the size diversity and abundance of mammalian prey, and the perhaps superabundant or at least highly renewable nature of insects. Ecological separation was further facilitated by some segregation along the spatial (habitat) and temporal (activity) niche dimensions. The average weight of prey taken by leopards was considerably lower than that in other African and Asian sites. Mammals weighing over 20kg were taken rarely, while use of small (<5kg) prey was unusually high, signaling either the relatively depauperate base of the former, or high level of abundance and/or profitability of the latter.

The AB blood group system in wild felids.

The blood type of 131 non-domesticated felids belonging to 26 felid species was surveyed in this study. Based upon a tube hemagglutination assay established for domestic cats, 80% of felids had type-A, 18% type-B, and 2% type-AB blood. Felids in the Puma group and African and Asian golden cats had blood type B, whereas all other species were found to have blood type A. Two cheetahs and one bobcat had type-AB blood. Red cell glycolipids analysed by high performance thin layer chromatography revealed a similar ganglioside pattern in wild cats as reported in domestic cats. Independent of the AB blood group system, incompatible blood crossmatch reactions were detected between different felid groups. In conclusion, wild felids display the same AB-erythrocyte antigens as domestic cats, and the same blood typing procedures can be applied for wild and domestic felids.

Husbandry and breeding of the Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii at Melbourne Zoo

The Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii is rarely maintained in captivity and only moderate breeding success has occurred. This paper outlines the captive history, management and husbandry of the species at Melbourne Zoo which has resulted in the birth of 23 young over 23 years, 18 of which survived to 30 days. Information on reproductive parameters is also given.

Diet, prey selection and ecological relations of leopard and golden cat in the Ituri Forest, Zaire

SummaryDiets of leopard and African golden cat were studied in the Ituri Forest of Zaire by means of scat contents (N=336) and prey carcass finds (N=91). Felids consumed predominantly mammalian prey (464 of 482 prey items in scats). Ungulates comprised 53·5% and primates 25·4% of prey items identified in leopard scats; mean prey weight estimated from scats was 24·6 kg. In golden cat scats 50·9% of identified prey items were rodents and 20·2% were ungulates; mean prey weight estimated from scats was 1·4 kg. Leopards accounted for 79% of recovered scats and for 74% of tracks recorded on systematic counts along paths. Golden cats accounted for 18% of recovered scats and for 15% of track counts. Sixteen percent of felid scats recovered and 11% of track counts could not be attributed to one species or the other with certainty. Among prey species ≥5·0 kg, felid predation is selective for five species of nocturnal ungulates and one species of diurnal, terrestrial primate. Arboreal primates comprised 9% of prey items in scats. Scavenged crowned eagle kills may be an important source of arboreal primates in forest felid diets. Golden cats may be limited by low rodent densities and by competition with and predation by leopards. Leopards may be limited by competition with human hunters for ungulate prey in many areas of forested Africa.RésuméOn a étudié le régime alimentaire du léopard et du chat doré africain dans la forêt de l'Ituri, au Zaïre, au moyen du contenu des fèces (N=336) et des carcasses de proies trouvées (N‐91). Les félins mangeaient principalement des mammitères (464 des 482 morceaux de proies trouvés dans les fèces). Les ongulés composaient 53,5% et les primates, 25,4% des morceaux de proies identifiés dans les fèces de léopard; on estime d'après les fèces que le poids moyen des proies était de 24,6 kg. Chez le chat doré, 50,9% des fèces identifiées provenaient de rongeurs et 20,2% provenaient d'ongulés; l'estimation du poids moyen des proies était de 1,4 kg. Les léopards étaient à l'origine de 79% des fèces retrouvées et de 74% des traces rapportées lors de comptages systématiques le long des sentiers. Les chats dorés étaient à l'origine de 18% des feces retrouvées et de 15% des comptages de traces.Seize pourcent des fèces de félidés et 11% des comptages de traces n'ont pas pu être attribués avec certitude à l'une ou l'autre espèce. Parmi les espèces de proies de ≥5,0 kg, la prédation des félidés est sélective pour cinq espèces d'ongulés nocturnes et une espèce de primate terrestre diurne. Les primates arboricoles comprenaient 9% des restes des proies dans les fèces. Les proies des aigles couronnés récuperées peuvent être une source importante de primates arboricoles dans le régime alimentaire des félins forestiers. Les chats dorés peuvent être limités par des densités faibles de rongeurs et par la compétition et la prédation par les léopards. Les léopards peuvent être limités par la compétition avec les chasseurs humains pour des proies ongulés dans de nombreuses zones forestières en Afrique.

Molecular evolution of mitochondrial 12S RNA and cytochrome b sequences in the pantherine lineage of Felidae.

DNA sequence comparisons of two mitochondrial DNA genes were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among 17 Felidae species, notably 15 in the previously described pantherine lineage. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate sequences of 358 base pairs of the mitochondrial 12S RNA gene and 289 base pairs of the cytochrome b protein coding gene. DNA sequences were compared within and between 17 felid and five nonfelid carnivore species. Evolutionary trees were constructed using phenetic, cladistic, and maximum likelihood algorithms. The combined results suggested several phylogenetic relationships including (1) the recognition of a recently evolved monophyletic genus Panthera consisting of Panthera leo, P. pardus, P. onca, P. uncia, P. tigris, and Neofelis nebulosa; (2) the recent common ancestry of Acinonyx jubatus, the African cheetah, and Puma concolor, the American puma; and (3) two golden cat species, Profelis temmincki and Profelis aurata, are not sister species, and the latter is strongly associated with Caracal caracal. These data add to the growing database of vertebrate mtDNA sequences and, given the relatively recent divergence among the felids represented here (1-10 Myr), allow 12S and cytochrome b sequence evolution to be addressed over a time scale different from those addressed in most work on vertebrate mtDNA.

Parasites of Wild Felidae in Thailand: A Coprological Survey

Ninety-two fecal samples were collected from leopards (Panthera pardus, n = 54), tigers (P. tigris, n = 19), and leopard cats (Felis bengalensis, n = 3) in Huai Kha Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand; four samples that may have come from clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) or Asian golden cats (Felis temminicki) were identified as from small to medium cats. Twelve samples were identified as from large cats. Samples preserved in 10% formalin were examined for parasite eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts by centrifugal sugar flotation and sedimentation techniques. Ninety-six percent of all samples were positive, including 94% of the leopard, all of the tiger, clouded leopard, golden cat, and leopard cat samples. Diagnostic stages were identified from Paragonimus sp., Echinostomatidae, Dicrocoeliidae, Pseudophyllidea, Taeniidae, Mesocestoides sp., Hymenolepididae, Acanthocephala, Spiruroidea, Gnathostoma sp., Molineus sp., Ancylostomoidea, Mammomonogamus sp., Toxocara sp., Toxascaris sp., Metastrongyloidea, Capillaria spp., Isospora sp., Toxoplasma-like, Sarcocystis spp., and Giardia sp.

A note on breeding Temminck's golden cat Felis temminckii at Wassenaar Zoo

International Zoo YearbookVolume 8, Issue 1 p. 47-49 a note on breeding Temminck's golden cat Felis temminckii at Wassenaar Zoo J. W. W. LOUWMAN, J. W. W. LOUWMAN Assistant Director and General Curator, Dierenpark Wassenaar, NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorW. G. VAN OYEN, W. G. VAN OYEN Assistant Director and General Curator, Dierenpark Wassenaar, NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this author J. W. W. LOUWMAN, J. W. W. LOUWMAN Assistant Director and General Curator, Dierenpark Wassenaar, NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorW. G. VAN OYEN, W. G. VAN OYEN Assistant Director and General Curator, Dierenpark Wassenaar, NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this author First published: January 1968 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1090.1968.tb00434.xCitations: 3AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume8, Issue1January 1968Pages 47-49 RelatedInformation

Recent Acquisitions of the British Museum (Natural History)

ADDITIONS to the study series of mammals in the Zoological Department of the Museum include the skins of a male and female golden cat (Profelis aurata) from the Cameroons, presented by Mr. F. W. Carpenter. The specimens illustrate the two colour phases found in this species, one skin being and the other grey. A similar dimorphism exists in the bay cat of Asia, and at one time the buff-coloured specimens were thought to represent a species distinct from the grey ones. The Department of Entomology has received during the past twelve months a further 7,773 insects collected and presented by Mr. Rowland Turner, from South Africa. Most of these are small and little-known wasps, and the proportion new to science is extremely high. The Department of Mineralogy has acquired by exchange fragments of a meteoric stone which fell on August 27, 1931, near Yukan in eastern Kiangsi, China. Although the fall of stones from the sky has been mentioned in Chinese literature since 1808 B.C., none appears to have been preserved with the exception of three stones that have been described scientifically since 1923.

On Arthrostoma felineum, gen. et sp. nov., a Parasite of Cats

This small species of Ankylostome worm was found in the small intestine of a golden cat (Felis temmincki) from Sumatra, in association with numerous specimens of Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliense and Strongyloides sp. It has been experimentally transmitted to the domestic cat.The cuticle shews not only transverse striations but numerous very fine longitudinal striations.Like Ancylostoma, the body shews a distinct longitudinal torsion, and when the dorsal aspect of the cephalic opening is facing upwards, the posterior extremity is displaced laterally. The body is narrowed anteriorly, terminating in a pyriform buccal capsule which, as in Ancybostoma, opens dorsally. The anterior end does not form a hook– like bend as in Necator and forms allied to it.