Prionailurus rubiginosus
rusty-spotted cat

The Rusty-spotted cat is found strictly in the Southern parts of India, Gujarat, Jammu, and Kashmir, and in Sri Lanka. Recently, it has also been spotted in central India. The sub-species P.r.rubiginosus is restricted to Southern India while P.r.koladivinus and P.r.phillipsi are found in Sri Lanka (Garman,1998; Guggisberg, 1975).

The two separate populations of rusty-spotted cats--one living in southern India and the other living in Sri Lanka--occupy different habitats. In Sri Lanka, these cats are found scattered through dense tropical forests at slightly higher altitudes. They are absent from the northern, dry parts of Sri Lanka. In central India, the rusty-spotty cat is seen mostly scattered throughout dry grasslands, scrubland, and open forests.

It has been suggested that this sort of habitat distribution may be a result of interspecific competition with its close relative, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) on the Indian mainland and with the jungle cat (Felis chaus) in Sri Lanka. The leopard cat occupies the forest land of Southern India while the jungle cat is found in the open grassland of Sri Lanka. In both cases, these two cats are larger than the rusty-spotted cat and might displace it from their own preferred habitat (Nowak, 1999; Guggisberg, 1975).

The Rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest wild cats (head and body length is 350-450mm). Its tail is about half its body length (150-250mm) and has a dark tip. The species gets its name from the small, rust-colored spots that extend in lines down its grayish-brown upper parts. Its underside and the inside of its limbs are white with blotchy extentions of the spots on its back. Two dark streaks run laterally down its short, rounded head. It has been described as a "'washed-out' version" of its close relative, the leopard cat. There is no sexual dimorphism in adult rusty-spotted cats (Nowak, 1999; The Cyber Zoomobile; Kitchener, 1991).

Unfortunately, the behavior of the rusty-spotted cat has not been thoroughly documented. They are mostly nocturnal, spending daytime sheltered from the sun in the branches of trees and in hollow logs. They are thought to be accomplished climbers. It is also believed that the rusty-spotted cat lives a solitary, territorial life; they have been observed leaving urine markings within the ranges of their territory.

When taken captive, the rusty-spotted cat is a very affectionate, playful, and expressive cat, that longs for the company and attention of its owner (Guggisberg, 1975; The Cyber Zoomobile).

Not much is known about the Rusty-spotted cat's diet and behavior. It is believed to prey on small birds and mammals and often insects and reptiles as well. It has also been seen to emerge after rainfall to feed on small rodents and frogs. Several reports have stated that the rusty-spotted cat also preys on domestic poultry when possible (IUCN, 1996).

It has been reported that, in areas where its habitat approaches villages in Southern India and Sri Lanka, the Rusty-spotted cat will feed on the domesticated poultry of local chicken growers (The Cat Survival Trust, 1996).

The rusty-spotted cat is often taken in as a pet due to its affectionate nature. Also, this cat's coat is sought after in fur trade (IUCN, 1996). While it may serve to boost local economies, hunting has a negative effect on rusty-spotted cat populations (IUCN, 1996; Guggisberg, 1975).

The Indian populations of the rusty-spotted cat are listed in Appendix I, prohibiting hunting and trade. The Sri Lankan populations are placed in Appendix II. This population is therefore open to trade.

The major threats facing these cats are habitat destruction due to deforestation and the increase in cultivation. Their vulnerability to these threats is heightened due to their solitary lifestyle and scattered population distribution (IUCN, 1996; The Cat Survival Trust).

The rusty-spotted cat is a descendant of the first member of the Felidae, Proailurus, which appeared during the Oligocene some 30 million years ago (The Cyber Zoomobile).

While their life span has not yet been determined, one rusty-spotted cat in captivity was still living after 16 years (Nowak, 1999).