The first time you see a Visayan leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori) kitten, the first thought that might cross to mind is Puss in Boots in the movie Shrek. They look so adorable and vulnerable that you would want to take them home as pets. They are vulnerable, yes, but they are not suitable as pets and should not be taken as one.
The Visyan Leopard Cat is one of two endemic species of leopard cats in the Philippines and it is considered as one of the smallest and threatened cats in the world. They used to be ware attracted to places where there are rats that’s why they can often be found in sugarcane fields. When farmers find their kittens, they often mistook them as domestic cats. Rearing them in captivity requires expertise thus they eventually die.
According to staff of the Negros Forests Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), it is quite difficult to breed the Visayan leopard cat (maral) in captivity. They NFEFI Biodiversity Conservation Center have leopard cats which were rescued and brought to the center.
Some are not as lucky. This cat may need more than its fabled nine lives in order to survive extinction. It needs the help of humans, also its biggest threat. We can help in educating other people in protecting the leopard cat. We can also donate to NFEFI and aid in their conservation efforts. Contact NFEFI at 433-9234.