Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Felidae
Subfamily Felinae
Genus Pardofelis
Species Marmorata
Taxonomy
Recent genetic analyses have lead to the proposal that all modern cats can be placed into eight lineages which originated between 6.2 - 10.8 million years ago. The marbled cat is placed in the "bay cat lineage," which diverged from its ancestors as a separate lineage 10.8 million years ago. The bay cat lineage also includes the Asiatic golden cat and the bay cat. (Johnson et al. 2006)
Description
The Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata) is similar in size to the Domestic Cat, with a longer, more thickly furred tail, an indicator of an arboreal life-style, where the tail is used as a counterbalance. The weight is about 4.5 kg (10 lbs), 53 cm (21 in) and the tail is 45 cm (18 in). Unusually in the felids, the eye socket is surrounded by a complete bony ring. The pupils are ovoid, typical of the small, Felis cats. The marbled cat’s skull is broad, and like that of the cheetah, it is shorter and more rounded than in most of the other cats. The anterior upper premolar is absent or vestigial. Slightly larger than a domestic cat, the marbled cat is considered to be the Asian ecological equivalent of the margay. Its fur pattern is blotched and banded like a marble, usually compared to the markings of the much larger Clouded Leopard.
Although both are closely related to the large or Panthera cats, the face of the marbled cat is more reminiscent of a small cat than is that of the clouded leopard. The tail of the smaller cat is far more bushy. One character which the marbled cat shares with the clouded leopard is very long canine teeth. In colour, the base fur ranges from pale yellow through to brownish grey with lighter under parts being a lighter variation. There are black spots on the limbs and some black lines on the head and neck. Interrupted bands run from the inner corner of each eye over the head. The Marbled Cat is closely related to the Asian Golden Cat and the Bay Cat, members of the genus (Catopuma). It has two generally recognized subspecies, P. m. marmorata (Southeast Asia) and P. m. charltoni (Nepal).
Distribution and Habitat
The range of the Marbled Cat extends from Assam in northeast India, with the P. m. chartoni subspecies in Nepal, through southeast Asia including Borneo and Sumatra, which were linked to the mainland of Asia during the Pleistocene ice ages. The marbled cat is found in northern India, Nepal, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in China, and south through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia), and Borneo. The marbled cat's rarity may be caused by its secretive nature and its preference for remote forest areas. There are reports that the cat also hunts on the ground in parts of its range. Its population is estimated at below 10,000 mature individuals
Diet
Marbled cats are carnivorous. The diet consists primarily of birds, but also includes squirrels, rats and other small rodents, lizards, insects, and frogs. They hunt mostly in trees. In Borneo they may be more terrestrial and forage on the ground.
Behavior
Although previously the marbled cat was considered to be primarily nocturnal (Nowell & Jackson 1996), recent studies have shown that it can be cathemeral, with observations of the cat having been made throughout the day and not indicating a crepuscular bias (Holden 2001). Observations of marbled cats in the wild have indicated arboreal and terrestrial habits (Grassman et al. 2005).
Reproduction and Offspring
Four kittens were reported to have been born to one captive female (Barnes 1976). Only one was seen by her keepers, so she may have eaten the rest. Most litters seem to be of two kittens, born after gestation periods of 66 to 82 days. In captivity, oestrus is reported to occur in any month. A kitten’s eyes will be fully opened by about 16 days, and they will be able to walk at 22 days. Less than 100 grams when born, they develop quickly and have a full set of teeth. The coat of the kittens is mottled rather than distinctly patterned.
Life Span
12 years
Conservation Status
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) classifies the marbled cat as intermediate. This is because it is known to be seriously threatened but not by how much due to lack of population estimates. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has listed the marbled cat in Appendix I. This means that all international commerce of the marbled cat is prohibited.
Threats
Because of its dependence on forest habitat, the major threat to the marbled cat is habitat destruction caused by felling of trees and the traditional, shifting, "jhum" method of local cultivation. The marbled cat is also thought to be intolerant of human disturbance, abandoning a forest that is even moderately disturbed. Poaching for skins, bones and meat may also be a threat. Other conservation issues include insurgency, straying into human habitation, and various developmental activities. (Sunquist & Sunquist 2002, choudhury 2003)