|
"The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a small wild cat of Southeast Asia. On
average it is as large as a domestic cat, but there are considerable regional differences: in Indonesia the average size
is 45 cm, plus 20 cm tail, while it is 60 cm/40 cm in the Amur region. The fur is also quite variable: it is yellow in
the southern populations, but silver-grey in the northern ones. The chest and the lower part of the head are white.
Leopard Cats bear black markings, that may be - dependent on the subspecies - spots or rosettes. It is a nocturnal
animal, and usually eats rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, small mammals. It is usually a solitary animal except for the
mating season. It has litters of 2 to 4 kittens and the gestation period can vary from 65 to 70 days.
The habitat of this cat is forests and rainforest both in low and mountainous areas, usually not arid areas. It lives
close to watercourses and may be found in heights up to 3000 m. The Leopard Cat can climb trees skilfully. It is also
able to swim, but will seldom do so.
The Leopard Cat is a nocturnal animal hunting for rodents, hares, birds and even bats. When entering villages, they may
become dangerous for the poultry.
The Leopard Cat is sometimes captured and interbred with domestic cats to create a domesticated Bengal Cat with an
appearance and behavior similar to the Leopard Cat while remaining safe for domestication"
Leopard Cat,
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leopard_Cat&oldid=106572396 (last visited
Feb 10, 2007) |
