By Ltshears (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) is the smallest cat in Africa and the second smallest of all wild cats. It is endemic to the arid regions of southern Africa where it is naturally rare and occurs at low densities. These cats, despite their small size, can travel vast distances in search of sparse prey, and have special adaptations to cope with their semi-arid to arid environment.
Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes)
Key Facts about Black-footed Cats
~ Second smallest of all cats ~
~ Requires little drinking water ~
~ Endemic to southern Africa ~
Felis Lineage
1. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)
2. Chinese Mountain Cat (Felis bieti)
3. European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
4. African & Asiatic Wildcat (Felis lybica)
5. Sand Cat (Felis margarita)
6. Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes)
Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) Classification
The taxonomy or scientific classification of the Black-footed Cat species (Felis nigripes) is as follows:
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
Suborder: Feliformia (cat-like)
Family: Felidae (cats)
Subfamily: Felinae (small cats)
Genus: Felis
Species: Felis nigripes (Black-footed Cat)
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Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) Subspecies
Two subspecies of Black-footed Cats have been recognized in the past:
1. Felis nigripes nigripes - northern range (lighter base color and markings)
2. Felis nigripes thomasi - southern range (darker base color and markings)
However the current Felidae taxonomy revision suggests that only the species Felis nigripes is valid and thus monotypic (no subspecies). There is insufficient variation to substantiate a subspecies split and just a northern and southern race is more appropriate.
Black-footed Cat Conservation and Research
The global conservation status for the Black-footed Cat is Vulnerable (VU) due to its restricted range in arid regions of southern Africa, where it is naturally rare and occurs at low densities.
The Black-footed Cat Working Group has a long term monitoring program in South Africa, assisted by funding from ISEC in Canada.
Black-footed Cat Facts and Information
The following websites have well researched and authoritative information on Black-footed Cats:
- Black-footed Cat Fact Sheet - Cats For Africa
- Black-footed Cat Information - ISEC
- Black-footed Cat Conservation Status and Distribution Map - IUCN Red List
- Black-footed Cat Detailed Information and Academic Reference List - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
