Black-footed cat
Felis nigripes
Black-footed cat
APPEARANCE
The black-footed cat is one of the smallest cat species in the world and the smallest in Africa. The Black-footed Cat gets its name from its black pads and the underside of its paws. Its fur is fawn-colored and marked with black and brown spots, merging into broad neck, legs, and tail stripes. The tail is relatively short with a black tip. The head of the Black-footed Cat is similar to that of the domestic cat, with large ears and eyes.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
The black-footed cat is endemic to southern Africa and is found mainly in South Africa and Namibia, it also occurs in Botswana, and marginally in Zimbabwe. It is therefore a restricted species, with the most restricted range of any cat species in Africa.
The black-footed cat chooses grassland and semi-desert habitats, including arid open savannas.
BEHAVIOUR
The black-footed cat is an animal that lives mainly on the ground. It is a solitary predator, active at night. It travels an average of 8.4 km in search of food.
FOOD
The black-footed cat’s diet includes many types of prey. It feeds mainly on rodents such as mice, gerbils, small birds, and invertebrates.
MAIN THREATS
The main threats to the black-footed cat are habitat degradation and non-selective pest control methods such as poisons.
Bibliography
- Sunquist, M., F. Sunquist. 2002. Wild Cats of the World. Chicago: University of Chicago Press
- OLBRICHT, GEA & Sliwa, Alexander. (1997). In situ and ex situ observations and management of Black‐footed cats Felis nigripes. International Zoo Yearbook. 35. 81 – 89. 10.1111/j.1748-1090.1997.tb01194.x.
