Prionailurus planiceps

(Vigors & Horsfield, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Flat-headed cat
French : Chat à tête plate

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Small cat growing to 50 cm in length for a weight of 2.5 kg. It has a short tail compared to other felids. Its head is quite large with a long, flattened forehead and small round ears. Overall coloration is rich brown with flanks and back strongly grizzled. Head and face reddish to rufous-brown with white cheeks and area under eyes. White chin, breast and belly.  Dark brown and white stripes on snout and forehead.

Range and habitat
This species is found in Southeast Asia, from extreme south Thailand (where it could be extinct) and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo. It is strongly associated with rainforest wetlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is very rarely seen in the wild and has specific habitat requirements, making its conservation a very difficult task. Few observations, even by camera traps, have been made during the past decades and it is believed that the species is highly threatened by deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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