Rusty-spotted cat  (Prionailurus rubiginosus)

The rusty-spotted cat is known to be rare, but there is little else known about the status of this small and secretive cat (2). Deforestation and the spread of agriculture pose a serious threat for much of the wildlife in India and Sri Lanka, and this is likely to impact the rusty-spotted cat too. Whilst observed in cultivated landscapes, it is not yet known whether it can survive in such modified habitats (4). The rusty-spotted cat is reported to be killed by local people when it takes domestic poultry (3), and it is also frequently mistaken for baby leopards in Sri Lanka and killed (2). In some parts of the cat’s range the flesh is considered edible and a number are taken for this purpose (2). There are some reports of hybridisation with domestic cats, which could threaten the existence of the species, but these reports have not yet been proved (4).

The Indian population is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in individuals from this population is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, and the Sri Lankan population is listed on Appendix II, meaning that trade should be carefully monitored to ensure it is compatible with the species’ survival (3). The rusty-spotted cat is also legally protected throughout most of its range and hunting is prohibited (4). It is encouraging that such protective measures are in place, but the rusty-spotted cat is now likely to benefit from further research into its distribution, and ecological and habitat requirements, to inform any additional conservation measures to ensure this tiny cat’s survival.