Wild Cat Species
Bay Cat
The species is about the size of a large domestic cat, with an extra-long tail. Its coat is mahogany red or blackish gray on the back and flanks, with paler under parts. The ears are short and rounded, set well down on the sides of the head.
Species Facts
- Publication Date: August 20, 2021
- Scientific Designation: Catopuma badia
- Endangered Status: Endangered (EN)
- Lifespan: Unknown
- Weight: 2–4 kg (4–9 lbs)
- Length: 53 cm (21") (female) - 67 cm (26") (male)
- Height: About 28 cm (11”)
- Tail Length: 32–39 cm
Species Distribution
The bay cat is one of the world’s most rare and least known felids. It is found solely on the island of Borneo. The bay cat is associated with dense forests.
Distribution map courtesy of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), compiled in 2015.
Threats to the Bay Cat
Threats to this rare species include habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting and trapping for the pelt and pet markets.
The species is categorized as Endangered (EN) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Its extreme rarity mandates the bay cat’s full protection over most of its range under appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
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