This
very rare and elusive species occurs from Southern Thailand through the
Malay peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. The Flat-Headed Cat weighs 5.5 - 8
kg, is nocturnal, which inhabits river margins and swampy areas where it
hunts for small mammals, birds, amphibians and fish . Principal threats
include water pollution, especially by oil, organochlorides, and heavy metal
.
Zoological name: Prionailurus planiceps
Species: Flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps). Rarely observed
in nature or in captivity, the biology of this species is poorly known at
best. Although range-country zoos have aggressively sought to acquire this
species, success has been low. Captive propagation has been nonexistent, and
North American zoos are not encouraged to acquire specimens.
Physical appearance: Flatheaded cats are about the size of a
housecat, but are easily distinguished by their broad, flattened heads,
small ears set well down on the sides of the skull, stumpy legs, and
comparatively short tails. The width of the head seems to be increased by
the large eyes.
The thick, soft pelage is a reddish brown, tipped with white. This gives
the look of a silvery-grey tinge to the coat. Two well-defined pale lines
run from the eyes to the ears, and dark spots and stripes are sometimes
described on the body. The underparts of this cat are white with brown
spots. The inside of the limbs and underside of the tail are reddish-brown.
The body is somewhat long for its size, the effect of which is enhanced by
the shortness of the legs. The paws are long and narrow, and the tips of
their claws remain partially visible, as they do not retract entirely. The
toes are more fully webbed than those of the closely related fishing cat
(Prionailurus viverrina).
Presence on the planet: Flat-headed cats have usually been observed
close to water in tropical forest or scrub below 700 metres in Thailand,
Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra, but they have also been seen in oil palm
plantations in Malaysia.
Habitat: No research has been on this species in the wild, but reports of
sightings indicate it prefers swampy areas, oxbow lakes and riverine
forests. It has also been seen hunting rodents in oil palm plantations.
Diet: The diet of P. planiceps appears to be primarily fish and
sometimes frogs and shrimp. These cats have been known to like fruit, and
prey on rodents in the Malay palm oil plantations. They sometimes also take
chickens. They are reportedly occasionally destructive in gardens, where
they dig up sweet potatoes and fruits. Flatheaded cats discovered on the
Malay Peninsula were apparently feeding on the numerous rats on the
plantations.
Reproduction & offspring: Almost nothing is known of the
reproductive behavior of flatheaded cats. A kitten was found in the wild in
January. It was still with its mother, who was killed. It is believed that
the gestation period is about 56 days, with one to four kittens born. Adult
females have four sets of nipples. (ISEC Canada, 2000; Kitchner, 1991).
Flatheaded cats may resemble othe closely related cats in some reproductive
parameters. The closely related fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrina) has
mating peaks in January and February. In India, fishing cat births occur
from March through May. Young become independent around 10 months of age. In
leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), a female who has lost a litter may
produce another within 5 months. Young leopard cats can reach sexual
maturity by 8 months of age.
Conservation Status: Habitat destruction is probably a very
significant factor influencing their population sizes, but so little is
known about the demography of this and so many of the other small cats that
only very rough estimates can be made about their status. If reports of
flat-headed cats thriving in palm oil plantations are true, then this is
extremely encouraging. It indicates that they can survive with considerable
habitat disturbance. Flat-headed cats have been caught in fish traps and
CITES have placed them on Appendix One, restricting all trade. The IUCN Red
List has the flat-headed cat as Vulnerable.
Life span: 14 years
The olfactory magic!
Little is known about the cats' sense of smell or taste. They apparently
rely little on olfaction to locate prey, as do other carnivores, but smell
seems to be important when big cats communicate with other members of its
own species. It is believed that receptor sites take on odors, with each
discernable odor having a unique receptor. These sites then send
chemical/electrical messages to the brain for processing, by way of the
olfactory nerves. The olfactory system receives odorous information through
the nostrils, but cats also have a vomeronasal olfactory system in which
smells travel to the brain through two tiny openings in the roof of the
mouth.
