Types of Big Cats: Exploring Earth’s Magnificent Wild Felines
From the smallest wild cat, the Rusty-spotted cat of Sri Lanka, to the immense Siberian tiger inhabiting the Russian Far East, our planet is home to 41 distinct species of wild cats. Each possesses a unique beauty and fascinating characteristics.
While many are familiar with the iconic lion, tiger, jaguar, and leopard, a vast array of other wild cat species exist. If you’re passionate about felines or simply curious about these captivating creatures, join us as we delve into the wild cat family, including a detailed look at the Types Of Big Cats.
A few years ago, I embarked on an ambitious quest to observe all wild cat species in their natural environments. This endeavor is likely a lifelong journey, as some species are so elusive they are rarely encountered. To date, I’ve successfully tracked down 21 species. For those inspired to follow a similar path, I’ll share insights on ideal tours and destinations for encountering wild cats in their element. Finding specific Types Of Big Cats as pets is illegal and harmful, as these are wild animals belonging in their natural habitats.
A valuable resource for keeping up with recent wild cat sightings (and other mammals) is the mammalwatching.com website. Here, dedicated mammal watchers from across the globe share their field reports. If you’re interested in locating a particular felid, this site is an excellent starting point.
How Many Species of Wild Cats Are There?
While the exact number of officially recognized wild cat species can vary slightly depending on taxonomic updates, the eight distinct lineages within the Felidae family are widely accepted. As of November 2017, the Cat Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes 41 species within the Felidae family, which includes the familiar domestic cat.
The Felidae family is broadly divided into two subfamilies: Pantherinae, which encompasses the 7 big cats, and Felinae, comprising the 33 small cats.
What Are the 7 Big Cats?
The term “Big cats” typically refers to the large-bodied felids belonging to the subfamily Pantherinae. There are seven species commonly recognized as the main types of big cats: the lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, and Sunda clouded leopard.
What Are the Most Endangered Wild Cat Species?
Looking at the species level, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species currently lists five felids as Endangered: the tiger, Iberian lynx, Borneo bay cat, fishing cat, and the flat-headed cat.
Below is a breakdown of the wild cats’ classification, including a list of the 40 wild cat species (excluding the domestic cat).
Big Cat Species – Panthera Lineage
Big cats are among the planet’s most charismatic and, unfortunately, most endangered animals. So, what are the 7 big cats in more detail? They are the large felines classified under the Pantherinae subfamily.
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
IUCN Status: Endangered
We might consider different names for tiger cats, but the magnificent wild tiger is a singular species. Reaching up to 320 kg, the Siberian tiger is the largest wild cat in the world. Tragically, it is also among the most endangered types of big cats. As recently as the mid-20th century, tigers could be found in Turkey and on the Indonesian islands of Bali and Java; these three subspecies are now extinct. The South China tiger is critically close to extinction, with an estimated mere 20 individuals remaining in the wild. The conservation status of the other five subspecies ranges from endangered to critically endangered.
The Siberian tiger itself faced near extinction in the 1940s, when as few as 40 individuals were believed to survive in Siberia’s vast forests. Fortunately, intensive conservation efforts in the Russian Far East over recent decades have helped pull this magnificent cat back from the brink.
Today, the majority of the remaining wild tigers belong to the Bengal subspecies, found throughout the Indian subcontinent. Unsurprisingly, India is considered the best place globally to see tigers in their natural habitat. Top national parks in India for tiger sightings include Kanha and Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh.
I visited Kanha a few years ago and had an incredible week, spotting a total of 15 tigers over 7 days. These sightings included solitary individuals, a courting pair, and a family group – a tigress with her three cubs.
Lion (Panthera leo)
An African lion lies alertly in the grass, looking towards the camera.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The lion, the world’s second-largest wild cat, historically ranged across most of Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. Currently, their populations are fragmented, restricted mainly to Sub-Saharan Africa, with one Critically Endangered population in India. We have already lost the Barbary lion, which once roamed the wilds of Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.
Historically, lions were categorized into two main types: African and Asiatic. However, recent genetic studies reveal that Asiatic lions belong to the same subspecies as the Northern lion, which also includes the Critically Endangered West African lion and the Central African lion. The Southern African and East African lions form a second subspecies.
You can typically spot Southern and East African lions on most classic African safaris. The only remaining place to see the Asiatic lion in the wild is Gir National Park in the Indian state of Gujarat.
I have seen lions in Kruger National Park and the surrounding sanctuaries. One particularly memorable sighting was a pride of the rare white lions of Timbavati. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa and Etosha National Park in Namibia are also excellent destinations for observing lions.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The leopard’s situation surprised conservation experts. Among all types of big cats, it boasts the widest geographic distribution, spanning from sub-Saharan Africa, through Central Asia, and across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia. While some leopard subspecies face severe threats, the species as a whole was initially thought to be relatively secure. However, experts later discovered that leopards have lost a staggering 75 percent of their historical range, and populations continue to decline.
Key areas for spotting leopards include parts of Africa and Sri Lanka. In Africa, common locations are Maasai Mara National Park (Kenya), Kruger National Park (South Africa), Serengeti (Tanzania), and most other national parks in southern and eastern Africa.
If you’re traveling to Sri Lanka, consider spending time in Wilpattu National Park, as Yala National Park has become increasingly overcrowded, potentially impacting animal welfare.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, it’s possible to join local tours in the Russian Far East in pursuit of the Critically Endangered Amur leopard – considered one of the rarest types of big cats globally. Encouragingly, their numbers have slowly risen from about 35 individuals in the 1980s to over 100 individuals by 2017.
Read more: How to tell the difference between a jaguar and a leopard.
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
A majestic jaguar rests calmly on the grassy bank beside a wide river.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
The jaguar stands out among types of big cats for its affinity for water. It is an excellent swimmer and is often observed resting on tree branches overhanging rivers. It also possesses the strongest bite force relative to body size among big cats. Its powerful jaws are capable of crushing the skull of an adult caiman, a favored prey item in the Pantanal.
Jaguars are unique among big cat species in that they form a single continuous population across their vast 6-million square kilometer range, which covers 18 countries. There are no recognized jaguar subspecies. Taxonomically, it’s the same species distributed over a very large area.
This presents distinct challenges for jaguar conservation. Instead of solely protecting geographically isolated populations, conservationists now focus on preserving habitat corridors that allow jaguars to move between areas, maintaining crucial gene flow.
In late 2018, the United Nations Development Programme launched Jaguar 2030, a conservation initiative aimed at protecting jaguars throughout their entire geographic range.
The two primary strongholds for jaguars are the Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil. The Pantanal is a significantly better location for jaguar sightings, particularly around Porto Jofre, a small community situated on the bank of the Cuiaba River. When booking a Pantanal tour with the goal of seeing jaguars, ensure your itinerary includes time based in Porto Jofre.
Read more: Jaguar watching in the Pantanal
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The snow leopard is perhaps the most mysterious among types of big cats, often called the Ghost of the Mountains. A saying in Nepal suggests it’s harder to see a snow leopard than to see God. This elusive feline inhabits some of Earth’s harshest environments – the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central Asia – and individuals require vast territories.
Due to its wide distribution range, the snow leopard’s status was reclassified from Endangered to Vulnerable by the IUCN in 2017. However, the Snow Leopard Trust disputed this decision, arguing a lack of sufficient scientific data to support the change. Experts estimate the wild population numbers between 3,920 and 6,390 individuals.
Despite their elusive reputation, snow leopards are regularly seen in Hemis National Park in India. However, this is a challenging adventure, involving camping in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius and spending hours scanning mountain valleys. The snow leopard’s grey fur with black blotches provides exceptional camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the rocky environment.
Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
A clouded leopard is perched on a thick tree branch, its distinctive pattern visible.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The smallest among the types of big cats, the clouded leopard is remarkably acrobatic. It is considered one of the most skilled climbers in the entire wild cat family. Its flexible ankle joints allow it unique abilities like climbing down trees head-first, hanging from branches using only its hind feet and tail, and even navigating horizontal branches upside down.
Beyond its climbing prowess, the clouded leopard possesses other notable traits. It is the only big cat species capable of purring, and it has the longest canine teeth relative to its body size among all big cats, sometimes earning it the moniker “modern-day sabre-tooth.”
Like all other types of big cats, the clouded leopard is threatened with extinction. The total population of mature individuals is estimated to be fewer than 10,000, with a declining trend. However, their secretive nature means clouded leopards are not well-studied and remain poorly understood. As with the snow leopard, the actual population size could be smaller than the current estimate.
Although the clouded leopard’s range extends from the Himalayan foothills across Southeast Asia, spotting one in the wild is incredibly difficult. Occasional sightings occur during wildlife safaris in India.
Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Until 2016, scientists believed the clouded leopard was a single species. However, genetic analysis techniques revealed that the clouded leopards found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra are, in fact, a distinct species. They diverged from their mainland counterparts approximately 1.5 million years ago.
These island species, known as Sunda clouded leopards, are slightly smaller and darker in coloration than the mainland clouded leopards. Until recently, seeing a Sunda clouded leopard was nearly as challenging as seeing the mainland species.
However, in recent years, Deramakot Forest Reserve in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, has gained a reputation as a prime location for spotting these elusive felines. While sightings are never guaranteed, Deramakot offers the best current opportunity for encountering a Sunda clouded leopard in the wild.
Small Cat Species
While perhaps not as famous as their larger relatives, the majority of the world’s wild cats are small cats. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, although Australia is home to a large population of feral cats, which are descendants of domestic cats brought by European settlers.
Bay cat or Pardofelis Lineage
The second lineage to diverge from the common ancestor, the Bay cat lineage, includes three wild cat species, all native to Southeast Asia. This group comprises some of Asia’s rarest wild cats.
Borneo Bay Cat (Catopuma badia)
A small, reddish-brown Bay cat looks intently towards the viewer, standing on the ground.
IUCN Status: Endangered
The Endangered Borneo Bay cat is often considered the holy grail for wild cat enthusiasts. It is found exclusively on the island of Borneo and remains largely mysterious to science since its initial description in 1874. These cats are so secretive that very little is known about their behavior, and they are almost never observed in the wild.
It appears that, unlike other cats found in Borneo such as clouded leopards, marbled cats, and leopard cats, bay cats tend to avoid forest trails, which makes setting up camera traps effectively very difficult. Naturally, this also makes spotting the bay cat in the wild exceptionally challenging – you simply don’t know where best to look.
Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Another infrequently seen species, the Asiatic Golden cat, has a wide but fragmented distribution ranging from India to Malaysia. It is present on the island of Sumatra but is not found on other Indonesian islands.
Asiatic golden cats prefer forested habitats and seem most active around dawn and dusk, as well as during daylight hours. They are competent climbers but spend most of their time on the ground, where they are capable of taking down prey significantly larger than themselves, such as young water buffalo calves.
Currently, there are no specific, reliable locations known for guaranteed sightings in the wild, although most accidental encounters have occurred in Indonesia.
Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata)
A beautiful marbled cat with a long tail is perched on a tree branch in a forest.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
The marbled cat is arguably one of the most striking small cat species, characterized by its exceptionally long tail and exquisitely patterned coat. This species ranges from the Himalayan foothills down to Malaysia and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It is an excellent climber and is believed to spend the majority of its life dwelling in trees.
I have been fortunate enough to see Marbled cats on both my trips to Deramakot Forest Reserve in Borneo. During the second trip, we observed two individuals in the same tree, likely an adult and a semi-adult kitten.
Caracal Lineage
The third oldest lineage, the Caracal lineage, contains three medium-sized species primarily found in Africa.
Serval (Leptailurus serval)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Serval is an unusually proportioned cat with exceptionally long legs, large ears, and a relatively short tail. These physical adaptations are crucial for locating and capturing prey hidden within the tall grass where it lives. It is widespread across Southern Africa but less common in the northern parts of the continent. This remarkable feline can leap up to 3.6 meters high to land precisely on its prey, even with its eyes closed.
While considered unique in appearance, Servals are found in high numbers in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. Surprisingly, the small town of Secunda in South Africa, home to the world’s largest coal liquefaction plant, is also a good place to see Servals. The high density in this seemingly unsuitable habitat is thought to be due to the abundant prey, such as vlei rats, and the absence of larger predators.
African Golden cat (Caracal aurata)
An African golden cat is depicted sitting on the ground, showing its reddish-brown fur.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The African Golden cat is one of the rarest wild cat species and the rarest wild cat found on the African continent. It inhabits the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Its preference for dense tropical forest environments makes it particularly challenging to spot in the wild.
There have been some sightings recorded in the Libongo Forest Concession in Cameroon, where these cats appear to be relatively common along the access roads.
Caracal (Caracal caracal)
IUCN Status: Least concern
The caracal is the only member of the Caracal lineage whose distribution extends beyond the African continent into the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Its name originates from its distinctive jet-black ears topped with prominent tufts – “caracal” means ‘black ears’ in Turkish. Another agile feline, the caracal is capable of leaping 3 meters into the air and catching multiple birds with a single swipe.
Although secretive and difficult to observe regularly, caracals are often seen in various South African parks and game reserves, including Kgalagadi NP, West Coast NP, and Mosaic Farms. I was incredibly fortunate to spot a caracal family in Ranthambhore National Park in India, where sightings are rare.
Ocelot or Leopardus Lineage
This lineage represents the most diverse group of wild cat species, comprising eight small spotted cats, all native to Latin America. A unique characteristic of this lineage is that its members possess 36 chromosomes, unlike the 38 found in all other wild cats!
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A spotted female Ocelot stands attentively on the ground in a grassy area.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Ocelot is found throughout South America, Central America, Mexico, and extending into Southern Texas. It is likely the most commonly encountered, or perhaps the least uncommon, of the South American wild cats.
Barro Colorado Island in Panama boasts the highest density of ocelots globally. The Transpantaneira highway in Brazil’s northern Pantanal is also a good area to search for this spotted hunter.
However, arguably the best location for ocelot sightings is the San Francisco Farm in the southern Pantanal, Brazil. On a single night drive, I observed three different ocelots, all of which were very relaxed and at a remarkably close range.
Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Similar in appearance to the larger ocelot, the Margay is a significantly more accomplished climber. In contrast to the ocelot, the Margay spends most of its life residing in trees. It is one of only three wild cat species (along with the clouded leopard and marbled cat) equipped with a flexible ankle joint that allows it to climb down trees head-first.
Margays are capable of hunting entirely within the tree canopy. They have even been documented mimicking the alarm calls of baby pied tamarins to lure and ambush them.
Tree-dwelling cats are generally harder to spot than their ground-dwelling relatives. Wildsumaco Lodge in Ecuador is reported to be a good place to search for the Margay.
Colocolo (Leopardus colocolo)
A Colocolo, or Pampas cat, is seen standing on a grassy hillside.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
The species known as Colocolo encompasses small wild cats previously classified as three distinct species: the colocolo (L. colocolo), the Pantanal cat (L. braccatus), and the Pampas cat (L. pajeros). A recent taxonomic revision by the Cat Specialist Group recognized these as a single species, the Colocolo or Pampas cat, which ranges across most of Argentina and Uruguay, extending into Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Ecuador.
I unfortunately missed seeing a Colocolo during my visit to Fazenda San Francisco in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil, despite them being seen there roughly once a week.
Northern Oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus)
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The Oncilla is similar in appearance to the ocelot and margay but is smaller in size. Recently, the oncilla species was split into two separate species: the Northern Oncilla and the Southern Oncilla. The Northern oncilla is found in Central America, Venezuela, Guyana, and northeastern Brazil.
Ecuador is considered one of the better countries to search for a Northern oncilla, particularly around lodges like Bellavista Lodge and Cabanas San Isidro Lodge. Oncillas are also occasionally spotted in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Southern Oncilla (Leopardus guttulus)
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The Southern oncilla inhabits central and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.
Guina (Leopardus guigna)
A small, dark-spotted Guina, or Kodkod, is pictured on a forest floor.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Also known as the Kodkod, the Guina is the smallest wild cat species in South America. Its range is primarily confined to southern and central Chile, with some extension into adjacent areas of Argentina. It is an agile climber but typically hunts on the ground, preying mainly on small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects.
The typical coat of a Kodkod is brownish-yellow to grey-brown with dark spots, but melanistic (black) individuals are also relatively common within the population.
A good location to search for the Guina in the wild, including the less common melanistic morphs, is Parque Tepuhueico on Chiloe Island in Chile. However, even in a good location, Kodkods are not easily found; I spent six days searching in the park without success.
Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Similar in appearance to the Guina but larger, Geoffroy’s cat has a broader distribution, ranging from Southern Bolivia down to the Straits of Magellan. This is the only wild cat species known to have the habit of standing upright on its hind legs, using its tail for balance, to scan its surroundings.
Its preference for dense habitats makes Geoffroy’s cat challenging to spot. Like the Guina, its coat is usually tawny with black spots, though black morphs are also quite common.
El Palmar National Park in Argentina is considered a good location to find Geoffroy’s cat. I visited El Palmar during unusually rainy weather in early September and spent three nights searching before finally spotting a single cat – a charming black morph.
Andean Cat (Leopardus jacobita)
A rare Andean mountain cat, also known as the Andean cat, is seen among rocks.
IUCN Status: Endangered
Considered one of the world’s rarest cats, the Endangered Andean cat is found exclusively at high elevations within the Andes mountains across Southern Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Much like its larger high-altitude relative, the snow leopard, the Andean mountain cat is among the most infrequently seen wild cats globally. It favors steep, arid, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, where it preys primarily on mountain viscachas.
Lauca National Park and Salar de Surire National Monument in Chile have been suggested as promising areas for attempting to see the Andean cat.
Lynx Lineage
The Lynx lineage includes four distinct species that share similar physical characteristics. All four Lynx species are recognizable by their short tails and prominent tufted ears.
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The northernmost member of the lynx lineage, the Canada lynx, is found across Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States. Its most distinctive feature is its unusually large paws covered in thick fur. These large paws function like snowshoes, allowing the Canada lynx to traverse snow-covered landscapes without sinking deeply into the snow.
Lake Superior in Minnesota is reportedly a good location to potentially spot the Canada lynx.
Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
An Iberian lynx named Rafiki is seen resting in a natural environment in Sierra de Andujar.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The world came perilously close to losing the Iberian lynx forever. By 2002, fewer than one hundred individuals remained, scattered across isolated patches of Mediterranean scrubland in Spain. By the time scientists fully grasped the severity of the situation, it was almost too late to implement effective conservation measures.
Thanks to two decades of strict protection and intensive conservation efforts, the Iberian lynx population in Spain and Portugal has shown remarkable recovery, growing to over 2,000 individuals by 2024. The premier location for observing the Iberian lynx is Sierra de Andujar Natural Park, located just over 100km from Cordoba. Many wildlife-watching tour operators now offer specialized Iberian Lynx tours focusing on this area.
I conducted my PhD fieldwork in Sierra de Andujar in 2022 and had the extraordinary opportunity to observe a female lynx raising a litter of three cubs. I witnessed her hunting for them, nursing them, and guarding them during a visit from her older daughter. It’s difficult to imagine another place in the world where one could so freely witness the private lives of such secretive wild felines.
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Eurasian lynx is the largest species within the Lynx genus and possesses the widest geographic distribution, ranging across Siberia, parts of Asia, and Eastern Europe. While not currently threatened with extinction, the Eurasian lynx remains a challenging wild cat to spot in its natural habitat.
There are no specifically designated, reliable locations known for guaranteed Eurasian lynx sightings in the wild. However, they are occasionally seen incidentally during Snow leopard expeditions in Hemis National Park in India.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
A fluffy Bobcat with pointed ears is shown standing in a field.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Similar in appearance to the Canada lynx, the Bobcat’s range extends from southern Canada down to central Mexico. It is smaller than the Canada lynx, typically growing to about twice the size of a domestic cat. The cat’s common name is derived from its short, “bobbed” tail. Like all lynxes, the bobcat specializes in hunting rabbits, but its diet also includes insects, various birds, rodents, and even small deer.
Generally, the Bobcat is a common species across its range. Point Reyes National Seashore near San Francisco is considered a good location to see them in the wild.
Puma Lineage
The Puma lineage contains a somewhat unusual mix of feline species: one typical small cat and two species that are notably larger than average for a ‘small cat’.
Puma (Puma concolor)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Although the Puma is a relatively large cat, it is taxonomically classified outside the “Big cat” family (Pantherinae) and is therefore considered a small cat. Often referred to by other names such as cougar or mountain lion, the puma’s vast range extends across South America, Mexico, the United States, and into parts of Southern Canada.
The best place in the world to see a puma is widely considered to be Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Here, you often get more than just a fleeting glimpse; there’s a chance to observe individuals for extended periods and learn about the lives of the resident pumas in this breathtaking part of the world. For more detailed planning, you can read my guide to watching pumas in Torres del Paine.
I also had a memorable sighting of a puma with two sub-adult cubs in the appropriately named Puma Valley within Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
Two young Cheetahs are alertly watching something in the distance.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
The cheetah holds the title of the fastest species of wild cat and the fastest land animal on Earth. It can accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in an astonishing three seconds. Not only is it incredibly fast, but it also demonstrates remarkable agility at high speeds, capable of making sudden turns while pursuing prey. The cheetah is also well-adapted to the hot African climate, needing to drink water only about once every four days.
The cheetah is found in Southern, North, and East Africa, with a few isolated populations remaining in Iran. The Iranian population, known as the Asiatic or Persian cheetah, is listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 50 individuals estimated to survive scattered across a vast plateau of 140,000 square kilometers.
African cheetahs are relatively straightforward to see on safari. Good locations include Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Maasai Mara (Kenya), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa), and Etosha National Park in Namibia. I had a sighting of a mother cheetah with a young cub at a kill in Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
With its short legs and elongated body, the jaguarundi is one of the most unusually shaped wild cats. Its unspotted coat coloration is similar to that of the puma, its closest relative, but distinct from most other South American cats. It ranges across southern North America and throughout South America.
While not considered a threatened species, the jaguarundi is not particularly easy to spot in the wild. Most sightings of this species occur in South America, but they are generally accidental encounters. They are most frequently seen during daylight hours.
Leopard Cat or Prionailurus Lineage
This is another lineage containing a number of small wild cats (six species). The species within this lineage are all distributed across Asia.
Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul)
A Pallas’s cat, or Manul, with thick fur is perched on a rock.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Also known as the Manul, the Pallas’s cat possesses the longest and densest fur of any wild cat species. This luxurious coat is essential for surviving its preferred habitat: the windswept, rocky slopes of Central Asia. The rocky environment provides the cat with shelter in caves, rock crevices, or even abandoned marmot burrows. The primary prey for Pallas’s cats includes pikas and voles, though they will occasionally hunt birds.
Pallas’s cats are not adept runners; instead, they rely on their exceptional ability to remain undetected. When disturbed, a Pallas’s cat will often freeze in place, becoming virtually invisible against the grey, rocky landscape.
One of the best places to see the Pallas’s cat is on the Ruoergai grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, located at the northern tip of China’s Sichuan province. During five days on the grassland, I saw at least three different individuals.
Rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus)
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
The Rusty-spotted cat holds the title of the smallest wild cat in the world. It is native to the deciduous forests of India and Sri Lanka, reaching a maximum weight of about 1.6 kg and a length of 48 centimeters. Despite its small stature, it is known for a daring and feisty attitude. It is equally comfortable in trees and on the ground, where it captures prey (mostly rodents and small birds) with rapid, darting movements.
Sri Lanka’s Wilpattu National Park is considered one of the best places to observe the rusty-spotted cat in the wild. We spotted a relatively relaxed individual during the early hours of the night from Wilpattu Sanctuary road, the main road leading to the national park entrance.
Flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps)
IUCN Status: Endangered
The Flat-headed cat is an Endangered small cat found on the Thai-Malay Peninsula and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. This unusual feline leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle, living along riverbanks and primarily hunting aquatic vertebrates. It is an excellent swimmer and possesses fascinating adaptations for hunting in water. Its claws do not fully retract, providing better grip on slippery riverbanks. Its feet are partially webbed, which is helpful for wading. And its long, sharp canine teeth are well-suited for grasping slippery aquatic prey.
These unique cats face threats from the ongoing destruction of their riverine forest habitats due to conversion for oil palm plantations, human settlements, and agriculture.
The most reliable location known for seeing the Flat-headed cat is along the lower Kinabatangan River in Borneo, particularly near the village of Sukau. I managed to see a single individual after four nights of searching.
Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)
IUCN Status: Endangered
Unusual among cats, Fishing cats are not only unafraid of water but are also dependent on it for food, much like the Flat-headed cat. Both species primarily hunt fish and other small aquatic vertebrates.
The Fishing cat has a broader distribution range across South and Southeast Asia compared to the Flat-headed cat. The best place to look for Fishing cats is in Sri Lanka, both around the Sigiriya area and on the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park (the park interior is inaccessible after dark).
We encountered Fishing cats at both locations in Sri Lanka. The sightings near Sigiriya were quite distant, while the Fishing cat we spotted near Wilpattu was incredibly close, curled up practically beside a farm road.
Mainland Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Mainland Leopard cat is the most widespread of all Asian small cats, with a range encompassing South, Southeast, and East Asia. This species is reasonably tolerant of human presence and disturbance and can often be found in rural areas and even within oil palm plantations.
Sunda Leopard cat (Prionailurus javanensis)
A Sunda leopard cat, with its spotted coat, walks along a log on the ground.
In 2017, based on genetic analysis, the Sunda leopard cat, which inhabits the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, was recognized as a separate species from the mainland leopard cat. It is relatively common in Borneo, and I have seen it in both Danum Valley and Deramakot Forest Reserve.
Felis Lineage
The Felis lineage is the most recent branch to diverge from the common ancestor, making it the youngest lineage. The six small wild cat species within this group are all closely related and are distributed across Africa and Eurasia.
Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Jungle cat, also known as a swamp cat, is a medium-sized wild cat found from the Middle East eastward through South and Southeast Asia to southern China. Jungle cats are typically diurnal, meaning they hunt primarily during the day.
I observed Jungle cats during the daytime in Kanha Tiger Reserve in India and at night near Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, neither sighting was particularly close or ideal for photography.
Black-footed cat (Felis nigripes)
A small Black-footed cat with spotted fur is standing in the grass.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Africa’s smallest wild cat, the black-footed cat, is the second smallest wild cat species globally after the rusty-spotted cat. It is an exceptionally efficient hunter with an astonishing appetite, capable of consuming up to 3,000 rodents annually. Nicknamed the “anthill tiger,” it often takes shelter in abandoned termite mounds and roams the surrounding savannahs in search of rodents.
The Black-footed cat has a restricted distribution range in the southern part of Southern Africa. Marrick Farm Safari in South Africa is considered the best place to look for this species.
Sand cat (Felis margarita)
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Sand cat is a true desert specialist, found in the arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. While not currently listed as threatened, this species is not particularly easy to spot in the wild due to its elusive nature and habitat.
The Sand cat possesses an incredibly dense coat that provides insulation against the cold desert nights. The thick strands of black fur covering the soles of its feet offer protection against the opposite extreme – the scorching hot sand during the day.
Most recorded sightings of Sand cats come from areas in Western Sahara and Jebil National Park in Southern Tunisia.
Chinese Mountain cat (Felis bieti)
A Chinese Mountain Cat, a rare wild cat, is captured on camera disappearing into darkness.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
One of the least known and most rarely seen wild cats, the Chinese mountain cat, wasn’t even photographed in the wild until roughly a decade ago. It has a narrow distribution, confined primarily to Western China.
I had the opportunity to see the Chinese Mountain cat on the Ruoergai grassland on the Tibetan Plateau. During four nights on the plateau, I encountered these cats on three separate occasions, confirming it as a promising location for sightings.
African and Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica)
After some recent taxonomic changes, the wildcat species have been categorized separately into the African and Asiatic wildcat and the European wildcat. I observed the African wild cat at Kapama Reserve, located near Kruger National Park in South Africa. Kafue National Park in Zambia has also been suggested as a good location for wildcat sightings.
European wildcat (Felis silvestris)
A European wildcat is pictured sitting alertly on a forest floor.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The European wildcat has a fragmented distribution across the forests of Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, extending up to the Caucasus Mountains. A good area to search for the European Wildcat is in the Cordillera Cantabrica in northern Spain, particularly in the fields surrounding Boca de Huergano.
One of the most well-known subspecies of the European wildcat is the Scottish wildcat.
How Many Species of Wild Cats Are Threatened With Extinction?
Wild cats face numerous threats driven by human activities, including habitat loss and fragmentation, depletion of their prey species, and direct persecution by people who perceive them as risks to livestock or safety. As a result, a significant number – 25 species of wild cats – are currently listed as threatened with extinction.
Five species are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: the tiger, Borneo bay cat, Andean cat, fishing cat, and flat-headed cat.
Thirteen additional wild cat species are listed as Vulnerable: the lion, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Sunda clouded leopard, African golden cat, northern oncilla, southern oncilla, guina, cheetah, black-footed cat, Chinese mountain cat, and as of 2024, the Iberian lynx, which was successfully downgraded from Endangered.
Seven wild cat species are listed as Near Threatened: the jaguar, Asiatic golden cat, marbled cat, margay, colocolo, Pallas’s cat, and rusty-spotted cat.
What Is the Rarest Wild Cat?
Determining the single rarest wild cat on Earth is challenging because our knowledge of the populations of some of the most elusive species is incomplete. The Amur leopard is certainly among the rarest, with no more than an estimated 90 individuals surviving in the wild in the Russian Far East.
There might potentially be even fewer Iranian cheetahs remaining in the wild, but accurate data on this population is difficult to obtain due to the challenges of conducting fieldwork in politically unstable regions.
The South China tiger may already be extinct in the wild, as no wild individuals have been definitively recorded since the late 1980s.
Exploring the various types of big cats and their smaller wild relatives reveals a world of incredible diversity and fascinating adaptations. These magnificent animals, from the powerful tiger to the tiny rusty-spotted cat, face significant challenges, highlighting the critical importance of ongoing conservation efforts worldwide.
