Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)

The Asiatic Golden Cat is one of the three wild cats in the Bay Cat family. The other two close relatives of this cat are the Borneo Bay Cat and the Marbled Cat. These small cats inhabit the forests of South East Asia and very little is known about them.

This medium sized cat occurs across a vast range in Asia yet occurrence is likely patchy and there are few density estimates. The Golden Cat is typically golden reddish (hence the name) but the species varies considerably in size, coat patterns and coloration across its range. Although it shares many physical traits with the African Golden Cat it is not closely related, and the two golden cats evolved in different lineages.

Deforestation within the region is a major threat to this forest dependent specialist, and there are increasing reports of this cat being poached as a substitute for tiger pelt and bones.

9 Observations of Asian Golden Cats on iNaturalist

As with many forest species that are in a habitat where it is very difficult to see wildlife, there are only 9 sighting of Asian Golden Cats on iNaturalist.

iNaturalist is a global platform for the public to upload images of wild creatures they have seen in nature. If you have any photos of natural biodiversity from your travels be sure to open an account and upload your images. Identification is verified by other members and the data can be used in future research. A great way to contribute to conservation and research!

Note there are images of dead animals in case you are a sensitive viewer.