Flat Headed Cat
Misc.: In captivity, it was discovered
that these cats possess a "raccoon-like" quality and will wash objects
in water.
Size and Appearance:
One of the most
unique and unusual members of the cat family, the Flat Headed cat is ideally
adapted for a life of fish-eating and water hunting. It has a long sloping
snout and the top of the skull is flattened (hence the name), and it has
unusually small ears. Its eyes are large and close set which allow for maximum
binocular vision. Its molars are larger and sharper than other members of the
felid family, and are designed to be efficient at holding on to slippery prey.
Like the Fishing Cat and the Cheetah, the Flat Headed Cat does not have
completely retractile claws. While they can be seen at all times, they do not
rub against the ground when walking as do the Cheetah’s. Its feet are even
more completely webbed than the Fishing Cat’s, and the pads are long and
narrow like the Bornean Bay Cat’s. Its coat is long, soft and thick, and
reddish-brown tinged with gray, and the top of the head is more reddish, and
they have a particularly short tail. Adults weigh between 4-6 pounds.
Habitat: No research has been on this
species in the wild, but reports of sightings indicate it prefers swampy areas,
oxbow lakes and riverine forests. It has also been seen hunting rodents in oil
palm plantations.
Distribution: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei.
Reproduction and Offspring: After a gestation of approximately 56 days, females produce a litter of 1-4 kittens.
In captivity, Flat Headed Cats have lived up to 14 years.
Social System and Communication: Unknown.
Hunting and Diet: Based on the analysis of stomach contents of deceased animals, it is determined that the main diet of these cats is fish, frogs and shrimp. They are mostly nocturnal, and are frequently seen hunting along riverbanks. Captive Flat Headed cats take readily to water and show no hesitation at completely submerging their heads in search of prey or toys.
Principal Threats: Water pollution is the
number one threat to these animals, as it contaminates its prey. This problem is
widespread throughout the Flat Headed Cat’s range. In addition, waterways are
often the first cleared to make way for human settlements.
Status: CITES: Appendix I. IUCN: Insufficiently known.
Felid TAG recommendation: Flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps). Rarely observed in nature or in captivity, the biology of this species is poorly known at best. Although range-country zoos have aggressively sought to acquire this species, success has been low. Captive propagation has been nonexistent, and North American zoos are not encouraged to acquire specimens.
How rare is this cat ? The International Species Information Service lists 2 (both males) worldwide, with 0 being in the U.S. There are 0 living on Easy Street.
Information reprinted With Permission from the IUCN Wild Cats Book
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