Wild Cat Species
Chinese Desert Cat
The Chinese desert cat is a fairly large felid, about twice the size of a domestic house cat. This cat has a coat of a uniform pale yellow-gray, ticked with longer dark brown or black guard hairs. The fur on the desert cat’s belly is white, with yellowish brown underfur showing through. Small tufts of dark hair grow from the cat’s ear tips.
Species Facts
- Publication Date: August 20, 2021
- Scientific Designation: Felis bieti
- Endangered Status: Vulnerable (VU)
- Lifespan: Unknown
- Weight: 6.5-9.0 kg
- Length: 70-85cm
- Height: 25cm
- Tail Length: 29-35cm
Diet
Active primarily at night, the Chinese desert cat preys largely on rodents, but will also consume pikas and birds. Little is known about the cat's ecology and behavior.
Species Distribution
This species has a limited geographic range in China. Existing records suggest that the cat inhabits montane forest, alpine meadows, and high semi-desert areas. It has been observed at elevations ranging from 2800 meters to 4100 meters.
Distribution map courtesy of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), compiled in 2015.
Threats to the Chinese Desert Cat
The species is threatened by hunting by humans for its pelt.
The Chinese desert cat is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
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