Small spotted cat

Introduction: The small spotted cat (Felis nigripes) is a relative of the African wild cat. They are usually associated with areas of tall grass or scrub bush and lie up in daylight hours in disused spring hare or aardvark holes in termite mounds. They are purely nocturnal and are a highly secretive species. They tend to be solitary creatures, but like all cats, there are two or more in attendance.

Distribution: They are mainly to be found to the central and southern parts of the country and to the further west where the Namibian border meets the Orange River.

Diet: Young hares and birds up to the size of francolin, but no prey bigger than this. They are independent of water, but will drink occasionally when it is available.

Colouring: The body is marked with lines and spots, black in colour with a series of three broad transverse black bars towards the feet. They have a short, narrow, black-tipped tail, which is less than half the length of the body. The undersides of all 4 feet are black.

Breeding: Gestation period is estimated at around 68 days, with litters of 1-3 being born around November or December.

Size: Males are around 60cm in total length (including the tail) and weigh around 1.6kg. Females are slightly shorter and smaller.