The bay cat

• Encyclopedia of Wild Cats
• The bay cat

Catopuma badia

The bay cat

APPEARANCE

The coat of the Bornean Mormi is usually chestnut in color, but individuals with a gray tint have also been known. The bay cat has a long tail about 73% of its body length, a rounded head, and small, rounded ears. The coloration, body proportions, and very long body make it similar to the jaguar.

The belly and underside of the tail are bright. The chin is white and there are two faint brown stripes on the cheeks. The backs of the ears are darker in all individuals. There are faint dark stripes on the forehead, and there are light spots at the inner corners of the eyes. A dark “M” shaped mark is observed on the back of the head.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The Bornean Mormi is an endemic species of Borneo and is found in all regions of the island except Brunei and South Kalimantan in Indonesia. Its occurrence is still poorly known, although the number of confirmed reports is increasing.

Its occurrence appears to be restricted to forests with natural and semi-natural vegetation cover, but it shows some habitat plasticity within these habitats.

BEHAVIOUR

There is almost no information on the behavior, ecology, social or spatial structure of the Bornean Mormi.

FOOD

No information available.

MAIN THREATS

Not known. Habitat loss, particularly through commercial deforestation – conversion of forests to oil palm cultivation or other agricultural plantations, appears to be the greatest threat.