African Wild Cats are one of the least-known feilids in the world.
Characteristics[]
The African Golden Cat has variable fur colour. Fur is typically cinnamon or reddish brown in colour, but there also exist black or grey colour variants. The fur is sometimes spotted, while other animals have plain fur.
Body length usually varies within the range 61-100 cm (24-40 inches). Tail length varies within the range 16-46 cm (6.5-18 inches), and shoulder height is about 38-55 cm (about 1-2 feet). Male specimens weigh in the range 11-14 kg (24- 31 lbs) whilst the only recorded weight of a female specimen was 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs).
Overall, the African Golden Cat resembles the Caracal, but has shorter ears.
Distribution and habitat[]
The African Golden Cat is a medium-sized wild cat distributed over the rainforests of West and Central Africa.
Ecology and behavior[]
Due to its extremely hidden living style, not much is known about this cat’s behaviour.
The African Golden Cat is able to climb, but hunts primarily on the ground. Prey includes rodents, birds and monkeys. It also hunts duiker and even the Giant Forest Hog.
Taxonomy[]
It is a close relative of both the Caracal and the Serval. However, current classification places it as the only member of the genus Profelis.
The subspecies of this species are Profelis aurata aurata and Profelis aurata cottoni. The African Golden Cat is similar to the Asian Golden Cat, but studies indicate that the reason is convergent evolution.