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| binomial_authority = [[Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire]], [[1831]]
| binomial_authority = [[Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire]], [[1831]]
| range_map = Rustyspottedmap.jpg
| range_map = Rustyspottedmap.jpg
| range_map_width = 240px
| range_map_width =
| range_map_caption = Rusty-spotted cat range
| range_map_caption = Rusty-spotted cat range
}}
}}


The '''Rusty-spotted Cat''' (''Prionailurus rubiginosus'') is the [[felidae|cat]] family's smallest member and found only in [[India]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="nowell1996">Nowell, K., Jackson, P. (1996) ''Wild Cats: status survey and conservation action plan.'' IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland. [http://books.google.de/books?hl=en&lr=&id=OxfxlpfXNtcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Nowell,+K.&ots=MzwIGr80lH&sig=koz456MGg5t6mnFoXZca1SJPvyk#v=onepage&q=Nowell%2C%20K.&f=false book preview]</ref> Being one of the lesser studied [[South Asia]]n [[carnivore]]s it has been listed as [[Vulnerable species|Vulnerable]] by [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]] only in 2002.<ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Khan, J. & Mukherjee, S.|year=2008|id=18149|title=Prionailurus rubiginosus|downloaded=22 March 2009}}</ref>
The '''Rusty-spotted Cat''' (''Prionailurus rubiginosus'') is the [[felidae|cat]] family's smallest member and found only in [[India]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="Pocock39">Pocock, R.I. (1939) [http://www.archive.org/stream/PocockMammalia1/pocock1#page/n351/mode/2up ''The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Mammalia. – Volume 1'']. Taylor and Francis, Ltd., London. Pp 276–280</ref> It has been listed as [[Vulnerable species|Vulnerable]] by [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]] in 2002 as the total effective population size is below 10,000 mature individuals, with a declining trend due to habitat loss, and no subpopulation containing more than 1,000 mature breeding individuals.<ref name=iucn>{{IUCN |assessors=Khan, J., Mukherjee, S. |year=2008 |id=18149 |taxon=Prionailurus rubiginosus |version=2010.4}}</ref>


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
[[File:Rustyspottedcatskull.png|left|thumb|Illustration of skull, in [[Reginald Innes Pocock|Pocock]]'s ''The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma - Mammalia Vol 1'']]
[[File:Rustyspottedcatskull.png|left|thumb|Illustration of skull, in [[Reginald Innes Pocock|Pocock]]'s ''The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma''<ref name="Pocock39"/>]]
The rusty-spotted cat is {{convert|35|to|48|cm|in}} in length, with a {{convert|15|to|30|cm|in}} tail, and weighs only {{convert|0.9|to|1.6|kg|lb}}. The species rivals (and may exceed) the [[Black-footed Cat]] as the world's smallest wild cat. The short fur is grey over most of the body, with rusty spots over the back and flanks, while the underbelly is white with large dark spots. The darker colored tail is thick and about half the length of the body, and the spots are less distinct. There are a six dark streaks on each side of the head, extending over the cheeks and forehead.<ref name=WCoW>{{cite book|author=Sunquist, M., Sunquist, F. |year=2002 |title= Wild cats of the World |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location= Chicago |pages= 237–240|isbn= 0-226-77999-8}}</ref>
The rusty-spotted cat rivals the [[Black-footed Cat]] as the world's smallest wild cat. It is {{convert|35|to|48|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, with a {{convert|15|to|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} tail, and weighs only {{convert|0.9|to|1.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. The short fur is grey over most of the body, with rusty spots over the back and flanks, while the underbelly is white with large dark spots. The darker colored tail is thick and about half the length of the body, and the spots are less distinct. There are a six dark streaks on each side of the head, extending over the cheeks and forehead.<ref name=WCoW>{{cite book|author=Sunquist, M., Sunquist, F. |year=2002 |title= Wild cats of the World |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location= Chicago |pages= 237–240|isbn= 0-226-77999-8}}</ref>


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
[[Image:Rustyspottedcat.jpg|thumb|Rusty-spotted cat in its natural habitat in southern India]]
[[Image:Rustyspottedcat.jpg|thumb|Rusty-spotted cat in its natural habitat in southern India]]
Rusty-spotted cats have a relatively restricted distribution. They mainly occur in [[Moist forest|moist]] and [[dry deciduous forest]]s as well as scrub and [[grassland]], but are likely absent from [[evergreen forest]].<ref name="nowell1996"/> They prefer dense vegetation and rocky areas.<ref name="patel06">Patel, K. (2006) ''Observations of rusty-spotted cat in eastern Gujurat.'' Cat News 45: 27-28.</ref><ref>Kittle, A., Watson, A. (2004) ''Rusty-spotted cat in Sri Lanka: observations of an arid zone population.'' Cat News 40: 17–19</ref>
Rusty-spotted cats have a relatively restricted distribution. They mainly occur in [[Moist forest|moist]] and [[dry deciduous forest]]s as well as scrub and [[grassland]], but are likely absent from [[evergreen forest]].<ref name="nowell1996">Nowell, K., Jackson, P. (1996) [http://www.catsg.org/catsgportal/cat-website/catfolk/rubig01.htm ''Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus''] In: ''Wild Cats: status survey and conservation action plan''. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland</ref> They prefer dense vegetation and rocky areas.<ref>Kittle, A., Watson, A. (2004) ''Rusty-spotted cat in Sri Lanka: observations of an arid zone population.'' Cat News 40: 17–19</ref><ref name="patel06">Patel, K. (2006) ''Observations of rusty-spotted cat in eastern Gujurat''. Cat News 45: 27–28</ref>


=== Distribution of subspecies ===
=== Distribution of subspecies ===
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*''Prionailurus rubiginosus rubiginosus'' — lives in India
*''Prionailurus rubiginosus rubiginosus'' — lives in India
*''Prionailurus rubiginosus phillipsi'' — lives Sri Lanka
*''Prionailurus rubiginosus phillipsi'' — lives Sri Lanka
In [[India]], they were long thought to be confined to the south, but recent records have established that they are found over much of the country.<ref name="nowell1996"/> They were observed in the [[Gir Wildlife Sanctuary|Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park]], in the [[Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve]] in [[Maharashtra]], on India's east coast, and in eastern [[Gujurat]].<ref>Pathak, B. J. (1990) ''Rusty spotted cat Felis rubiginosa Geoffroy: A new record for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park.'' Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 87: 8.</ref><ref>Dubey, Y. (1999) ''Sighting of rustyspotted Cat in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.'' Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 96(2): 310</ref><ref>Manakadan, R. and Sivakumar, S. (2006) ''Rusty-spotted cat on India's east coast.'' Cat News 45: 26</ref><ref name="patel06"/>
In [[India]], they were long thought to be confined to the south, but records have established that they are found over much of the country.<ref name="nowell1996"/> They were observed in the [[Gir Wildlife Sanctuary|Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park]], in the [[Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve]] in [[Maharashtra]], on India's east coast, and in eastern [[Gujurat]].<ref>Pathak, B. J. (1990) ''Rusty spotted cat Felis rubiginosa Geoffroy: A new record for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park''. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 87: 8</ref><ref>Dubey, Y. (1999) ''Sighting of rustyspotted Cat in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra''. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 96(2): 310</ref><ref>Manakadan, R. and Sivakumar, S. (2006) ''Rusty-spotted cat on India's east coast''. Cat News 45: 26</ref><ref name="patel06"/> [[Camera trap]]ping revealed photos in the [[Pilibhit Tiger Reserve]] in the Indian [[Terai]] and in the [[Nagzira wildlife sanctuary|Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary]] in Maharastra.<ref>Anwar, M., Kumar, H., Vattakavan, J. (2010) ''Range extension of rusty-spotted cat to the Indian Terai''. CatNews 53</ref><ref>Patel, K. (2010) ''New distribution record data for rusty-spotted cat from Central India''. CatNews 53</ref> In western Maharashtra, there is a breeding population of rusty-spotted cats in a human dominated agricultural landscape, where rodent densities are high.<ref>Athreya, V. (2010) ''Rusty-spotted cat more common than we think?'' CatNews 53</ref>


In Sri Lanka, there are a few records from montane and lowland [[rainforest]]. There are two distinct populations, one in the dry zone and the other in the wet zone.<ref name="Deraniyagala56">Deraniyagala, P. E. P. (1956) ''A new subspecies of rusty spotted cat from Ceylon.'' Spoila Zeylanica 28: 113</ref>
In Sri Lanka, there are a few records from montane and lowland [[rainforest]]. There are two distinct populations, one in the dry zone and the other in the wet zone.<ref name="Deraniyagala56">Deraniyagala, P. E. P. (1956) ''A new subspecies of rusty spotted cat from Ceylon.'' Spoila Zeylanica 28: 113</ref>
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=== Reproduction ===
=== Reproduction ===
[[Oestrus]] lasts five days, and mating is unusually brief. Since the cat is likely to be vulnerable during this period, its brevity may be an adaptation to help it avoid larger predators. The mother prepares a den in a secluded location, and gives birth to one or two kittens after a 65-70 day [[gestation]]. At birth, the kittens weigh just {{convert|60|to|77|g|oz}}, and are marked with rows of black spots. The cat reaches sexual maturity at around 68 weeks, by which time it has developed the distinctive adult coat pattern of rusty blotches. Rusty-spotted cats have lived for twelve years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is unknown.<ref name=WCoW/>
[[Oestrus]] lasts five days, and mating is unusually brief. Since the cat is likely to be vulnerable during this period, its brevity may be an adaptation to help it avoid larger predators. The mother prepares a den in a secluded location, and gives birth to one or two kittens after a 65-70 day [[gestation]]. At birth, the kittens weigh just {{convert|60|to|77|g|oz|abbr=on}}, and are marked with rows of black spots. The cat reaches sexual maturity at around 68 weeks, by which time it has developed the distinctive adult coat pattern of rusty blotches. Rusty-spotted cats have lived for twelve years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is unknown.<ref name=WCoW/>

⚫
The rusty-spotted cat is easily domesticated and has been described as expressive, playful, and affectionate.<ref>[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Prionailurus_rubiginosus.html ADW]</ref>


== Threats ==
== Threats ==
Habitat loss and the spread of cultivation are serious problems for wildlife in both India and Sri Lanka. Although there are several records of rusty-spotted cats from cultivated and settled areas, it is not known to what degree cat populations are able to persist in such areas. There have been occasional reports of rusty-spotted cat skins in trade.<ref name="nowell1996"/>
Habitat loss and the spread of cultivation are serious problems for wildlife in both India and Sri Lanka. Although there are several records of rusty-spotted cats from cultivated and settled areas, it is not known to what degree cat populations are able to persist in such areas. There have been occasional reports of rusty-spotted cat skins in trade.<ref name="nowell1996"/>
In some areas, they are hunted for food or as livestock pests.<ref name=WCoW/>
In some areas, they are hunted for food or as livestock pests.<ref name=WCoW/>

⚫
Due to their affectionate nature they are taken in as a pet.<ref>Animal Diversity Web [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Prionailurus_rubiginosus.html ''Prionailurus rubiginosus'']</ref>


==Conservation==
==Conservation==
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== Local names ==
== Local names ==
In Sri Lanka, the rusty-spotted cat is known as ''Handun Diviya'' (හඳුන් දිවියා) or ''Kola Diviya'' (කොල දිවියා).<ref>Animal Info — Rusty-spotted Cat [http://www.animalinfo.org/species/carnivor/priorubi.htm online]</ref>
In Sri Lanka, the rusty-spotted cat is known as ''Handun Diviya'' (හඳුන් දිවියා) or ''Kola Diviya'' (කොල දිවියා).<ref name="nowell1996"/>
:The terms 'Handun Diviya' and 'Kola Diviya' are also used by the local community to refer to the [[Fishing Cat]]. Both animals are nocturnal and elusive, and therefore it is difficult to determine, which cat is specifically referred to as 'Handun Diviya'.
:The terms 'Handun Diviya' and 'Kola Diviya' are also used by the local community to refer to the [[Fishing Cat]]. Both animals are nocturnal and elusive, and therefore it is difficult to determine, which cat is specifically referred to as 'Handun Diviya'.


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{{wikispecies|Prionailurus rubiginosus}}
{{wikispecies|Prionailurus rubiginosus}}
{{commonscat|Prionailurus rubiginosus}}
{{commonscat|Prionailurus rubiginosus}}
*ARKive - [http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Prionailurus_rubiginosus/ images and movies of the rusty-spotted cat ''(Prionailurus rubiginosus)'']
* [http://www.catsg.org/catsgportal/cat-website/catfolk/rubig01.htm IUCN Cat Specialist Group: ''Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus'']
* [http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Prionailurus_rubiginosus/ ARKive: ''Rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus)'']


{{Carnivora|Fe.}}
{{Carnivora|Fe.}}

Revision as of 15:16, 18 March 2011

Rusty-spotted Cat[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Carnivora
Family:
Felidae
Genus:
Prionailurus
Species:
P. rubiginosus
Binomial name
Prionailurus rubiginosus
Rusty-spotted cat range

The Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is the cat family's smallest member and found only in India and Sri Lanka.[3] It has been listed as Vulnerable by IUCN in 2002 as the total effective population size is below 10,000 mature individuals, with a declining trend due to habitat loss, and no subpopulation containing more than 1,000 mature breeding individuals.[2]

Characteristics

Illustration of skull, in Pocock's The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma[3]

The rusty-spotted cat rivals the Black-footed Cat as the world's smallest wild cat. It is 35 to 48 cm (14 to 19 in) in length, with a 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in) tail, and weighs only 0.9 to 1.6 kg (2.0 to 3.5 lb). The short fur is grey over most of the body, with rusty spots over the back and flanks, while the underbelly is white with large dark spots. The darker colored tail is thick and about half the length of the body, and the spots are less distinct. There are a six dark streaks on each side of the head, extending over the cheeks and forehead.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Rusty-spotted cat in its natural habitat in southern India

Rusty-spotted cats have a relatively restricted distribution. They mainly occur in moist and dry deciduous forests as well as scrub and grassland, but are likely absent from evergreen forest.[5] They prefer dense vegetation and rocky areas.[6][7]

Distribution of subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:[1]

  • Prionailurus rubiginosus rubiginosus — lives in India
  • Prionailurus rubiginosus phillipsi — lives Sri Lanka

In India, they were long thought to be confined to the south, but records have established that they are found over much of the country.[5] They were observed in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, on India's east coast, and in eastern Gujurat.[8][9][10][7] Camera trapping revealed photos in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in the Indian Terai and in the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharastra.[11][12] In western Maharashtra, there is a breeding population of rusty-spotted cats in a human dominated agricultural landscape, where rodent densities are high.[13]

In Sri Lanka, there are a few records from montane and lowland rainforest. There are two distinct populations, one in the dry zone and the other in the wet zone.[14]

Ecology and behaviour

The rusty-spotted cat is nocturnal and partly arboreal, spending the day sleeping in dense cover or shelter such as hollow logs. It feeds mainly on rodents and birds, but may also take lizards, frogs, or insects. They hunt primarily on the ground, making rapid, darting movements to catch their prey; they apparently venture into the trees primarily to escape larger predators rather than for food. As with other cats, they mark their territory by spraying urine.[4]

Reproduction

Oestrus lasts five days, and mating is unusually brief. Since the cat is likely to be vulnerable during this period, its brevity may be an adaptation to help it avoid larger predators. The mother prepares a den in a secluded location, and gives birth to one or two kittens after a 65-70 day gestation. At birth, the kittens weigh just 60 to 77 g (2.1 to 2.7 oz), and are marked with rows of black spots. The cat reaches sexual maturity at around 68 weeks, by which time it has developed the distinctive adult coat pattern of rusty blotches. Rusty-spotted cats have lived for twelve years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is unknown.[4]

Threats

Habitat loss and the spread of cultivation are serious problems for wildlife in both India and Sri Lanka. Although there are several records of rusty-spotted cats from cultivated and settled areas, it is not known to what degree cat populations are able to persist in such areas. There have been occasional reports of rusty-spotted cat skins in trade.[5] In some areas, they are hunted for food or as livestock pests.[4]

Due to their affectionate nature they are taken in as a pet.[15]

Conservation

The Indian population is listed on CITES Appendix I. The Sri Lankan population is included on CITES Appendix II. The species is fully protected over most of its range, with hunting and trade banned in India and Sri Lanka.[2]

Local names

In Sri Lanka, the rusty-spotted cat is known as Handun Diviya (හඳුන් දිවියා) or Kola Diviya (කොල දිවියා).[5]

The terms 'Handun Diviya' and 'Kola Diviya' are also used by the local community to refer to the Fishing Cat. Both animals are nocturnal and elusive, and therefore it is difficult to determine, which cat is specifically referred to as 'Handun Diviya'.

References

  1. ^ a b Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 543–544. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  2. ^ a b c Template:IUCN
  3. ^ a b Pocock, R.I. (1939) The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Mammalia. – Volume 1. Taylor and Francis, Ltd., London. Pp 276–280
  4. ^ a b c d Sunquist, M., Sunquist, F. (2002). Wild cats of the World. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp. 237–240. ISBN 0-226-77999-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b c d Nowell, K., Jackson, P. (1996) Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus In: Wild Cats: status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland
  6. ^ Kittle, A., Watson, A. (2004) Rusty-spotted cat in Sri Lanka: observations of an arid zone population. Cat News 40: 17–19
  7. ^ a b Patel, K. (2006) Observations of rusty-spotted cat in eastern Gujurat. Cat News 45: 27–28
  8. ^ Pathak, B. J. (1990) Rusty spotted cat Felis rubiginosa Geoffroy: A new record for Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 87: 8
  9. ^ Dubey, Y. (1999) Sighting of rustyspotted Cat in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 96(2): 310
  10. ^ Manakadan, R. and Sivakumar, S. (2006) Rusty-spotted cat on India's east coast. Cat News 45: 26
  11. ^ Anwar, M., Kumar, H., Vattakavan, J. (2010) Range extension of rusty-spotted cat to the Indian Terai. CatNews 53
  12. ^ Patel, K. (2010) New distribution record data for rusty-spotted cat from Central India. CatNews 53
  13. ^ Athreya, V. (2010) Rusty-spotted cat more common than we think? CatNews 53
  14. ^ Deraniyagala, P. E. P. (1956) A new subspecies of rusty spotted cat from Ceylon. Spoila Zeylanica 28: 113
  15. ^ Animal Diversity Web Prionailurus rubiginosus

External links

Wikispecies has information related to Prionailurus rubiginosus.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Prionailurus rubiginosus.
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