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IRIOMOTE CAT
(Mayailurus iriomotensis)
The Iriomote cat, is found only in the Japanese Iriomote
and Ryukyu islands, located about 100 miles east of Taiwan.
These small cats (about the size of the domestic cat, with shorter legs and
tail), weighing less than 10 pounds and 30 inches in length, inhabit the sub-tropical
rain forests, mountainous areas, agricultural areas, and beaches of the islands
where it hunts fish, water birds, small mammals, fruit bats, crabs and mudskippers.
Although little is known about the Iriomote cat, it is believed to be mostly
nocturnal, quite arboreal and extremely territorial. Apparent solitary by
nature, these cats establish individual territories extending over one square
mile, with the boundaries regularly patroled and scent marked with urine.
The Irimote cat is a dark brown in color with rows of darker spots running
along the body. Five to seven lines extend from the shoulders to the back
of the neck. The ears are dark and rounded with a whitish spot in visible
from behind. The tail is extremely thick and bushy, with dark rings encircling
it, and dark spots on the upper surface near the base.
A partial albino form has been recorded, but
this is the only known color variant.
Head and Body lengths (cm) 38-65
Height at shoulders (cm) 25
Tail lengths (cm) 16-45
Weight (Kg) 3-7
Fewer than 100 of these small cats are believed to exist in the wild. Japan's
Environmental Agency has created a a feeding and monitoring program designed
to enhance the chances for studying and enlarging the population. A portion
of their habitat has been declared a National Park and wildlife protection
area. Although Irimote cats are officially protected, native villagers often
hunt and trap them for food. Native poisonous snakes are also suspected to
have an impact on population levels. We know of no Iriomote Cats in captivity
anywhere in the world. The discovery so recently of the Iriomote cat caused
a considerable stir in zoological circles.
It should be taken as notice that we certainly don't know all there is to
know.
Links:
· http://www.bigcats.com
· http://lynx.uio.no/catfolk/iriomo01.htm
· http://home.iprimus.com.au/tigris/iriomote.htm
· http://www.wildlifeeasyst.com/iriomotecats.htm
There has not been any killing of the cats, loss of environment, or feeding
problems since 1979.
Chickens had been provided at about 10 sites since 1979 by the government.
But we must protect the forest system of Iriomote island to protect this cat
(and this island is beautiful in itself and should not be destroyed, along
with the Cat).
I want to emphasize the need to create a captive breeding project. Otherwise,
this species could very easily disappear.
~Seaswept~