Name(s):
Threatened species of Rusty-spotted cat
Nature
Deforestation and the spread of cultivation are thought to be the principle threats to the rusty spotted cat. Hybridization with domestic cats may also be a threat.
Background
The rusty-spotted cat is the cat family's smallest member. The Rusty-spotted cat, is an extremely rare cat of southern India and Sri Lanka, with a small population in Jammu and Gujarat. The habitat of this felid includes humid forests, scrubby grasslands adjoining forests as well as arid zones.
Incidence
[Prionailurus rubiginosus] is considered as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 1" for the Indian Population and "Appendix 2" for the Sri Lankan Population.