Tsushima Leopard Catツシマヤマネコ

Prionailurus bengalensisLC— Least Concern

The Tsushima leopard cat is a subspecies of leopard cat found only on Tsushima Island, Japan, isolated from the mainland Asian population for thousands of years. It hunts small mammals, birds, and fish at night and often frequents rice paddies near forest edges. With an estimated population of only around 70 to 100 individuals, it is listed as Critically Endangered on Japan's Red List.

Tsushima Leopard Cat (reference photo)
Photo: Pontafon / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Carnivora / Felidae Source
Size
Body length about 50–80 cm
Weight
About 3–5 kg
Lifespan
Wild: about 8–10 years
Diet
Carnivore Carnivorous, eating small mammals, birds, and fish; hunts mainly rodents around farmland
Activity
Nocturnal; during the breeding season it is often seen around rice paddies while protecting its young
Distribution
The Tsushima leopard cat, a subspecies of the leopard cat found only on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, was estimated at roughly 70 to 100 individuals in a 2010–2012 survey. Source
Sources
ja.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

  • It has white spots on the backs of its ears, a feature shared with the broader leopard cat species to which it belongs. Source
  • Since being listed as Critically Endangered on Japan's Red List in 1998, human-caused mortality such as vehicle collisions has been a major factor in the subspecies' decline. Source
  • A canal crossing Tsushima Island has split the population into northern and southern groups, raising concerns about reduced genetic diversity. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 10

Yokohama Shiritsu Yokohama DoubutsuenKanagawaOpened in 1999

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Kyoto City ZooKyotoOpened in 1903

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Saikaikokuritsu Kouen Kujuukushima DoushokubutsuenNagasakiOpened in 1961

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Toyamashifamiri ParkToyamaOpened in 1984

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Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical GardenFukuokaOpened in 1953

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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937

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Okinawa Zoo & MuseumOkinawaOpened in 1970

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Kumamotoshi DoushokubutsuenKumamotoTake the tram bound for Kengun and get off at the Doshokubutsuen-Iriguchi stop, then walk 10 minutes.

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Moriokashi Doubutsu KouenIwateOpened in 1989

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Inokashira Park ZooTokyoOpened in 1942

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Latest news

6

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Where does the Tsushima leopard cat live?
It is found only on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, and nowhere else in the wild. Source
How many Tsushima leopard cats remain in the wild?
A 2010–2012 survey estimated the wild population at roughly 70 to 100 individuals, and it is listed as Critically Endangered on Japan's Red List. Source
What is the biggest threat to Tsushima leopard cats?
Vehicle collisions are a major cause of death, and a canal dividing the island has split the population into two genetically isolated groups. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 10 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org