Endangered Wild Cat Rediscovered in Thailand After Three Decades

A species of wild cat, once thought to be potentially extinct in Thailand, has been sighted again for the first time in thirty years, according to conservation groups and local authorities.

A Rare Feline Under Threat

Flat-headed cats rank among the most endangered wild cats globally, with estimates suggesting only about 2,500 adult individuals survive in nature. Characteristically similar in size to housecats, they are identified by their distinctively round eyes set closely together.

Habitat and Conservation Challenges

Native to Southeast Asia, these cats predominantly reside in dense wetlands such as peat bogs and mangroves. However, these habitats face significant threats from human activities. Large portions of Thailand's swampy forests have been disrupted due to agricultural developments, notes Kaset Sutasha, a veterinarian and researcher.

The last time these elusive cats were officially recorded in Thailand was in 1995.

Surveillance and Surprises

In an initiative beginning last year, Panthera and Thailand's Department of National Parks employed camera traps in the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary to monitor these cats. The survey resulted in 29 sightings, yet identifying exact numbers is challenging due to their lack of unique markings.

Encouraging Signs for Future Generations

Caught on camera, a mother with her young provided a positive indication of potential population recovery, especially as these cats usually have only one cub at a time. Because isolated populations have difficulty reproducing, this finding brings hope.

Although pleased by the rediscovery, Kaset considers it only the beginning of a larger effort to ensure these felines coexist sustainably with humans.

Geographical Distribution and Lifestyle

Besides Thailand, flat-headed cats are also present in regions such as Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Nocturnal by nature, their diet includes fish, frogs, and shrimp. Despite being elusive, their scarcity has made studying them in their natural habitats difficult, according to Rattapan Pattanarangsan from Panthera.