Species Description:
The Borneo Bay Cat, scientific name Catopuma badia, is known as
the “mystery” member of the cat family because little is known about their
habits, behavior, ecology or reproductive biology. The species was not formally
identified until 1992. In fact, fewer than 25 cats have ever been recorded,
which makes them one of the rarest and least-studied cats in the world. They
originally were thought to be an island form of the Asiatic Golden Cat, but
after genetic testing, it was discovered that the bay cat is a unique and
highly endangered species. An adult bay cat is estimated to weigh between 6-8
pounds. They have bright chestnut-colored fur on their back and paler fur
underneath. The cat has a tiny head with rounded ears and a long tail. The
forest-dependent cat was classified as endangered due to an expected decline of
20% of the population due to habitat loss by 2020. The most recent estimation
of the population that could be found was as of 2007, which estimated the
effective population to be below 2,500 individuals.
Habitat and Range:
The bay cat is found exclusively on the island of Borneo. They originally
were believed to live all throughout the forest covered island, from hill,
lowland and swamp forest, to highland areas of rocky limestone on the edge of
dense jungle, but recently they have been spotted near riversides and close to
other water courses of the island. Multiple sightings included the animal in
low tree branches, suggesting the cat may be arboreal. This is also supported
by the fact that they have a long tail and body that are ideal for climbing.
Sightings of the cat are rare and are usually based on memory of island locals
which make it difficult to be sure of the exact habitat the cats live in.
Species Role in the Ecosystem/Importance:
Since very little is known about this animal, it is hard to
determine their exact role in the ecosystem of the island of Borneo. The first
photo of the animal was not published until 1998.
After extensive research of this animal, I was still unable to
find their role in the ecosystem. I assume as a part of the cat family that
they are one of the predators of the island that play a crucial role in
balancing the ecosystem.
Cause of Decline:
Although the exact habitat is not determined, they are believed to
prefer a forest habitat to some extent. The main threat to these cats is
habitat loss due to palm oil plantations and legal/illegal commercial logging. Commercial
logging is causing parts of island forests to decline at a rate of 5% per year.
The cat is also threatened by hunting/trapping. Since the cat is so rare,
wildlife traders have illegally captured the animal for skin and pet markets.
Current Conservation Efforts:
The bay cat is currently listed under Appendix II of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and it has been
recommended for inclusion under Appendix I. There is legal protection within
the island to protect against hunting, but enforcement is minimal.
There have been recent suggestions of ways to help conserve the
bay cat including: making improvements to any captive areas that hold the cat,
reducing habitat destruction, conducting surveys to increase knowledge of the
precise range and habitat of the species and setting up captive breeding
programs to increase the population.
How to Help:
Although the bay cat is technically being protected under
CITES and legally within the island, there is more that needs to be done. The
government within the island of Borneo really needs to crack down in order to
protect this animal or else they will go extinct. The suggestions listed above
to help conserve the cat need to be put into action. The main threat is the
habitat loss due to deforestation. The island needs to get laws into place in
order to stop or at least greatly reduce the logging. If it keeps declining at
the current rate of 5% per year then the cat will go extinct within the next 50
years. I could not find any websites or places to donate to solely help
conserve this animal which emphasizes the issue that they really need help.
Someone really needs to step up and take charge of this issue if the bay cat is
going to have any chance of survival. I was able to find this website that
gives information on the bay cat’s current status and also has a place where
you can subscribe to their blog or make a donation which helps small wild cats.
It is not the ideal situation, but at least a small portion will go towards
helping protect the bay cat. I strongly encourage everyone that has the funds
to please donate to the cause at the link below.
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