A closer look at the world's deadliest cat
Read this article below: A look at the world’s deadliest cat
by Dr J Humphreys
Black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) also often referred to as the small spotted cat, tsetsa (Sesotho), ingwe yeziduli (Xhosa), klein gekolde kat (Afrikaans), swart-poot kat (Afrikaans), meirshooptie (Afrikaans), sebala (Tswana), sebala-molokwane, sebelabla (Tswana).
These wild felids are considered the smallest wild cat species in Africa, and are endemic to the grassland and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. Resembling the domestic tabby with its striped markings and tawny fur, these cats can reach a maximum of up to 2kg and are known for their short but powerful build. Despite their name only the foot pads exhibit the black colour.
These elusive felids are solitary and can be found using termite mounds, abandoned dens or burrows of other animals as shelters. They are predominantly ground dwellers and are nocturnal. They have, however, been known to occasionally exhibit crepuscular behaviour. With their high energy demands, these cats have been known to travel great distances (up to 8km) in one night to hunt for food. Often referred to as the world’s deadliest cat, black-footed cats have a 60% success rate when hunting, whereas leopards or lions merely reach a 20% success rate.
Black-footed cats are classified as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and as an “endangered” species on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Having a closer look
As with many wildlife species, there have been a number of challenges when adapting or breeding these animals in captivity. Wild felids especially are prone to exhibiting renal disease in the captive setting. Radiographic imaging and ultrasound have been essential diagnostic tools in exploring potential diseases in both domestic and wildlife species.
Due to their secretive nature, very little is known of the Black-footed cats. Research programs are in place that allow us as scientists to explore and understand the nature and needs of these animals. Furthermore, we hope to understand the potential disease and preventative measures that might aid in preserving this species. Thank you IMV Imaging South Africa for being a part of this research, and helping us in build a better picture for the conservation of Blackfooted cats.
Dr Nicolene Hoepner of the University of Pretoria using the Probe GE Logiq eR7 Pro Console and GE 12L-RS 4-13 mHz Linear Probe. Photo Credit: Dr Jennie Hewlett
References:
Kamler, J.F., Stenkewitz, U., Sliwa, A., Wilson, B., Lamberski, N., Herrick, J.R., Macdonald, D.W., 2015. Ecological relationships of black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) and sympatric canids in South Africa. Mammalian Biology 80, 122-127.
Kock, M.D., Burroughs, R.E.J., 2014. Chemical and Physical Restraint of Wild Animals: A Training and Field Manual for African Species. IWVS.
Renard, A., Lavoie, M., Pitt, J.A., Larivière, S., 2015. Felis nigripes (Carnivora: Felidae).
Mammalian Species 47, 78-83.
Macdonald, D., Loveridge, A. (Eds.), The Biology and Conservation of Wild Felids. Oxford University Press, pp. 537-558.
Sliwa, A., 2004. Home range size and social organisation of black-footed cats (Felis nigripes). Mammalian Biology 69, 96-107.
Sliwa, A., Wilson, B., Küsters, M., Tordiffe, A., 2016. Felis nigripes. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Sunquist, F., Sunquist, M., 2014. The Wild Cat Book: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cats. University of Chicago Press.
