Critter Science

The Asian golden cat, aka fire cat, yellow leopard, or rock cat, is in the 2nd largest category of Asiatic cats. They are found in Southeast Asia, from Southern China, Sumatra, and India, to Nepal and Tibet. These felines prefer rocky habitats as well as tropical, subtropical evergreen rainforests, deciduous forests, and open grassland. Due to habitat destruction and hunting, these cats are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Catopuma temminckii Weight: Up to 25 lbs. Length: Up to 2.9 feet, plus a 20 inch tail Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Asiatic golden cats are both diurnal (active during the day) and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).

2.) They are primarily terrestrial (spend most of their time on the ground).

3.) These felines are opportunistic carnivores (eat meat) that feed on a variety of critters, including: muntjacs , ground squirrels , reptiles, birds, rodents , hares, wild pig, sambar deer , and buffalo calves.

4.) Golden cats travel up to 5.6 miles a day in search of food.

5.) Males are territorial and patrol an area of up to 18 square miles.

But wait, there’s more on the Asian golden cat! 6.) They mark their territory via scratching on trees, scent, and urine marking.

7.) Asiatic golden cats communicate via meowing, purring, hissing, and growling.

Did you know…? In Thailand and Myanmar they are known as fire cats. According to legends, carrying a single hair will protect a person from tigers , and burning their pelt will help drive tigers from the village. Neither of which are true and both are aiding in these cat’s decline.

8.) Females give birth to 1 – 3 kittens a couple times a year. Both parents take care of their offspring.

Now a Short Asian Golden Cat Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips3','

These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal , sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips6','

Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips6','

Terrestrial creatures are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land. They may venture into the trees or water, but their primary existence is on land.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore . Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore. Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips31','

An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

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