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Scientific Name: Felis silvestris
Subspecies:
Felis silvestris.foxi - West Africa
Felis silvestris.cafra - Southern Africa
Felis silvestris.griselda - Central Africa
Felis silvestris.lybica - Northern Africa
Felis silvestris.mellandi - Central Africa
Felis silvestris.ocreata - East Central Africa
Felis silvestris.pyrrhus - West Central Africa
Felis silvestris.sarda - Nort West Africa
Felis silvestris.ugandae - East Africa
Felis silvestris.brockmani - East Africa
Common Name: African Wildcat
Description: Because of the diversity of habitat in
which the African wildcat is found there is a wide range of coat coloration,
varying from a light sand colour in the arid semi-desert and grassland areas to
a darker grey/brown in the more forested locations. Markings also vary, from
tabby stripes to faint spots and are again broadly associated with habitat
types.
Difference in Sex: males are normally larger and
heavier than females.
Average Weight of Adult male:
Habitat: the African wildcat is to be found in most
parts of the continent with the exclusion of the true desert areas around the
Sahara and the central African rain forests belt. The species also extends up to
the Arabian Peninsula, where it can be found in most coastal regions away from
the dessert heartland
Habits:
Main feeding time: Hunting is usually carried out at
night
Size: 2,5 to 7 kg, Shoulder height 35 cm
Gestation: Two months
Number of young at birth: 2-6 average, mostly 3
Communication:
Age: 12 to 15 years
Diet: Throughout the range rodent species form the main
part of the African wildcat’s diet and include mice, rats and gerbils - other
prey species include scrub hare and rock rabbits, insects, birds and small
reptiles and frogs.
Enemies: greatest threat to African species is that of
hybridisation with the large populations of feral and domestic cats found
throughout the range of the African wildcat.
Interesting facts: Can breed with domestic cats.
Credits:
Christian Fourie
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