Catopuma temminckii
Asiatic golden cat

Asian golden cats, Catopuma temminckii, can be found in the Oriental region and parts of the Palearctic region of southwestern Asia, ranging from China and India through the Malay peninsula, Thailand, and Vietnam (Wilting et.al 2010). Although vegetation and high variation of habitat should allow this species to thrive, their range has been limited by expansion rates of humans and poachers (Brockhlehurst). Asian golden cats are now also found in wildlife sanctuaries, Phu khieo (Grassman et al. 2005) and the Jerangau Forest Reserve (Azlan and Sharma 2005). (Azlan and Sharma, 2005; Brocklehurst, 2007; Grassman, 2005; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Asian golden cats are primarily found in forests ranging from tropical/subtropical evergreen forests, mixed and dry deciduous forests and tropical rain forests (Brocklehurst; Wilting et.al 2010). They are found at elevations of 1,100 to 3,738 m (average 2,517 m). The Pho Khieo Wild Life Sanctuary in Thailand is considered ideal habitat for Asian golden cats, consisting of closed forest, grassland, and an abandoned orchard. Radio-collared individuals in the sanctuary were recorded at elevations 3,738 m, the highest elevation recorded for this species (Grassman et. Al 2005). Although habitats are variable within the sanctuary, Asian golden cats did not show a preference for any particular kind of habitat. (Brocklehurst, 2007; Grassman, 2005; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Asian golden cats are moderate sized felids with a head and body length of 116 to 161 cm. Their tail is one half to a third of their size ("Asian Golden Cat" 2001). They generally weigh 12 to 15 kg. Individuals of a variety of coat colors have been reported, including gold brown, brown, black, fox red, and gray. Gray individuals are often referred to as "fire cats." Asian golden cats have white lines with black borders that run vertically from the top of the head to the medial side of the eye and downwards across the neck. Their coat hairs are moderate in length. The underbelly, inner legs, and the underside of the tail are white. They have a muscular build and long legs, which, in addition to their long tails, make them excellent tree climbers, although Asian golden cats tend to dwell on the ground. An adult male and adult female in the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary were measured. The male weighed 13.5 kg, and measured 91 cm in length from head to body. The male's tail was 41 cm in length, its right hind food 18 cm, its ear 5.5 cm, and upper right canine 16mm in length. The female weighed 7.9 kg, and measured 77 cm in length from head to body. The female's tail was 39.5 cm in length, its right hind food 15.5 cm, and upper right canine 13mm in length (Grassman et al. 2005). Females Asian golden cats are smaller than males. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; "Asian Golden Cat-Catopuma Temminckii- "fire cat"", 1999; Grassman, 2005; "Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temmincki", 1996)

The mating systems of Asian golden cats are relatively unknown, as they are difficult to observe in the wild. Wild individuals tend to be afraid of humans, and the mating process has not been observed. The Cincinnati zoo, Heidelberg zoo, Munster zoo, and Wassenaar zoo have attempted to breed Asian golden cats and collectively have a 78% success rate. Zoos use a careful program to ensure reproductive success. Males are introduced to females over a 2-month period, allowing the female to become familiarized with the male and lowering the chance of fatalities. Many zoos experience fatalities between males and females during introduction. Males are kept in a separate area and are allowed visual, olfactory, and auditory contact. To ensure less aggression, higher amounts of food are added to each cage. After two months, the male and female are allowed short periods of contact together. If no aggression is observed, the time of contact is gradually increased. The male and female stay together for 70 days, during which they copulate. If the female has not given birth after 90 days, the male is reintroduced at a time when the female is in estrus again. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; "The Asiatic Golden Cat felis (catopuma) temmincki", 2002; Brocklehurst, 2007; "Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temmincki", 1996; IUCN/SSC specialist Group, et al., 1996; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Estrus in female Asian golden cats lasts 6 days, and the cycle repeats every 39 days. Gestation lasts 81 days. Females give birth to 1 to 3 cubs, which weigh an average of 250 g at birth. In the wild, some females were observed giving birth in hollow trees. Cubs are weaned at 6 months and reach independence in on average 12 months, though they may reach independence in as little as 9 months. Females reach sexual maturity in 19 to 174 months and males in 24 to 156 months. Asian golden cats are difficult to observe in the wild. Zoos attempt to breed this species, which reveals further information regarding their mating behavior and systems. There does not appear to be a breeding season for this species, but they do not give birth during April, May, or June. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; "The Asiatic Golden Cat felis (catopuma) temmincki", 2002; Brocklehurst, 2007; "Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temmincki", 1996; IUCN/SSC specialist Group, et al., 1996; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Little information is available on parental investment of Asian golden cats. In zoos, cubs are removed from their mother around 9 to 12 months, although weaning generally occurs at 6 months. This may suggest post-weaning care by mothers. In zoos, the father has no association with their young, which may also be indicative of care in the wild. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; Azlan and Sharma, 2005; Brocklehurst, 2007; "Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temmincki", 1996; IUCN/SSC specialist Group, et al., 1996; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Asian golden cats have been reported to live 18 to 23 years and are expected to survive 20 years in captivity. (Brocklehurst, 2007)

Asian golden cats were once thought to be nocturnal, however, a radio-tracking study in the Phu Khieo Wild Life Sanctuary revealed they are diurnal and crepuscular. Activity in this study peaked in the mid morning (8 to 10 am) and early evening (4 to 6 pm). Radio-collared cats were most inactive during early morning (1 to 2 am). They were most active during July and least active during March. Like most cats, they are likely to be solitary except during mating. (Azlan and Sharma, 2005; Grassman, 2005)

The Phu Khieo Wild Life Sanctuary in Thailand conducted a study to determine the spatial range of the Asian golden cats. In this study, females had a range of 32.6 km^2 and males of 47.7 km^2. Their ranges overlapped by 78%. Each individual traveled a daly mean of 1,597 +/- 1,674 m. (Azlan and Sharma, 2005; Grassman, 2005)

Little information is available regarding the communication and perception of Asian golden cats. Like most cats, they probably use scent cues extensively in communication.

Asian golden cats have opportunistic eating habits. They often consume small prey such as Indochinese ground squirrel, muntjacs, and small snakes (Grassman et al. 2005; Wilting et al 2010). They also eat rodents, birds, reptiles, and young hares ("Asian Golden Cat" 2001). In the goral mountains of Sikkim, India, Asian golden cats are reported to hunt larger animals such as wild pig, sambar deer, and water buffalo calves. In areas of human presence, they also prey on domesticated poultry, sheep, and goats. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; Grassman, 2005; Wilting, et al., 2010)

In captivity, Asian golden cats are fed a diet of less variety. They were given animals with less than 10% body fat, because animals with more fat cause them to vomit. Their food is also enhanced with alcium carbonate and multivitamin supplements. The “dead whole food items” that the animals were presented with are chicken, rabbits, guinea pig, rats, and mice. In zoos, Asian golden cats receive 800 to 1500 kg of food per day (Brocklehurst 2007). (Brocklehurst, 2007)

There are no known predators of Asian golden cats other than humans.

Asian golden cats are important predators in forests, preying on a variety of animals.

The meat of Asian golden cats is considered a delicacy, and their bones are used for medicinal purposes. Their pelt is also traded, though illegal. In local superstition, it is believed that carrying a piece of their hair or burning the pelt of Asian golden cats drives tigers away. ("Asian Golden Cat-Catopuma Temminckii- "fire cat"", 1999; IUCN/SSC specialist Group, et al., 1996; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Asian golden cats have been known to prey on domesticated livestock, such as poultry, sheep, and goats. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; "Asian Golden Cat-Catopuma Temminckii- "fire cat"", 1999; "The Asiatic Golden Cat felis (catopuma) temmincki", 2002; "Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temmincki", 1996; IUCN/SSC specialist Group, et al., 1996; "Walker's mammals of the World", 1999; Wilting, et al., 2010)

Asian golden cats are listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, endangered on the US Federal list, and on Appendix I by CITES. Populations are decreasing, in part due to habitat destruction from logging and agriculture. In addition to habitat loss, they also face poachers, although it is illegal to kill Asian golden cats. Their coats are sold on the black market, and their meat is considered a delicacy. The myth that carrying their hair or burning their pelt wards away tigers also contributes to their decline. Some Asian golden cats now inhabit wildlife sanctuaries, and some zoos are breeding these cats in captivity. ("Asian Golden Cat", 2001; "Asian Golden Cat-Catopuma Temminckii- "fire cat"", 1999; Azlan and Sharma, 2005; Brocklehurst, 2007; Grassman, 2005; Wilting, et al., 2010)