The Temminck's cat (Catopuma temminckii) inhabits the dense forests of China, Nepal, Southeast Asian countries, and northeastern India.
This predator weighs up to 16 kilograms and is characterized by a wide variety of coloration — from golden-brown to melanistic and spotted.
Despite its relatively small size, this remarkable animal successfully hunts reptiles, small rodents, and often even preys on fawns, as well as, of course, birds. Interestingly, the predator plucks the latter before starting its meal.
The main habitats of the Temminck's cat are the forested subtropics and tropics at elevations up to 4,300 meters; however, this noble beast sometimes ascends to high mountains.
The Temminck's cat is a good climber and is most active at dusk, although its behavior is quite varied. In recent years, the population of the species has been declining due to deforestation, hunting, and conflicts with farmers, as the predator can attack livestock. These factors make the conservation of its natural habitat particularly important for the protection of this rare species.
