Photo credit: Terry Whittaker/Arkive
The African Golden Cat, Caracal aurata, is listed as ‘NEAR THREATENED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is found in the tropical rainforests of equatorial Africa, where it plays an important role in the traditional beliefs of numerous ethnic groups.
A lack of detailed information on the African Golden Cat makes it difficult to determine its current status in the wild. However, it is believed to have declined due to illegal persecution and the loss and fragmentation of its habitat. This species is frequently caught in illegal cable snares, and skins and whole animals can be readily found in bushmeat markets throughout its range.
The current known range of the African Golden cat encompasses 18 countries, twelve of which prohibit hunting of the species, whilst two others allow regulated hunting. Larger populations appear to be restricted to well-managed protected areas with suitable forest habitat, although this species may be able to survive to some extent in secondary and degraded forest. Further research is urgently needed to clarify the African Golden Cat’s current population status.
Geographic Range of the African Golden Cat
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the African Golden Cat, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by clicking their logo below.
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