The Chinese mountain cat (Felis bieti) is among the most elusive and endangered felid species worldwide and is endemic to the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, China. Currently, the cat is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List based on its ‘likely small population’, ‘high likelihood of fragmentation’, and “probably declining” trend.

Specifically, two human activities were identified by the previous studies as the major threats that this unique lineage is faced with, as the large-scale pika poisoning program and illegal hunting prevailing in the area. However, during our monitoring of a breeding family discovered in the Sanjiangyuan Region, two cats of the family were found dead and were most likely killed by free-ranging dogs. Moreover, following genetic analysis indicated that both cats were genetically contaminated by local domestic cats.

Consequently, based on the examination of the carcasses, associate genetic analysis, and survey on free-ranging dogs, in this study we identified two so far overlooked threats for the Chinese mountain cats, as the killing by free-ranging dogs and genetic contamination from domestic cats. These threats mark the tricky balance among humans, domestic animals and wildlife in both historical and recently burgeoning human activities, which requires further investigation, research and conservation efforts.

Wei, Chunyue & Chen, Huaiqing & Dong, Zhengyi & Zhao, Xiang & Lu, Zhi & Shi, Xiangying & Xuesong, Han. (2023). By their foes and by their kins --- endemic Chinese mountain cats are threatened by domestic dogs and cats. 10.22541/au.169685367.72461484/v1.

The latest assessment of the Chinese mountain cat Felis bieti for the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM was released in July 2022. The range of the species was confirmed to be the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, encompassing eastern Qinghai, north-western Sichuan, south-western Gansu, and a small area in south-eastern Tibet.

Besides indirect poisoning and illegal trade for furs suggested in the previous assessment, additional threats are also considered in this version including habitat loss and fragmentation caused by grazing and infrastructure development, anthropogenic accidents such as road kills, and the potential introgression from local domestic cats to Chinese mountain cats.

With an estimated less than 10,000 mature individuals left in the wild and a population reduction of 10% over the next 10 years, Felis bieti was listed as Vulnerable C1.

There is an urgent need for systematic population status survey and assessment of the efficacy of current measures in place for the protection of the species. This status update provides the much-needed overview for guiding further research and conservation efforts to safeguard China's only endemic felid.

Liu, K.; Han, S.; Luo, S.-J.
The only wild felid endemic to China Felis bieti: IUCN Red List assessment update
2022 Cat News (76)

The eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, a global biodiversity hotspot, is threatened by habitat degradation. Conservation actions are required in this region, but limited knowledge of large and medium-sized mammals is hampering conservation planning.

Using 149 camera traps, we surveyed large and medium-sized mammals in Xionglongxi Provincial Nature Reserve and adjacent areas, on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, during September 2016-May 2017. We obtained 5,752 independent captures of 29 large and medium-sized mammal species, including 13 that are globally threatened and 22 that are nationally threatened in China. Carnivores were especially diverse, with 16 species recorded.

Of particular significance was our detection of seven felid species, including the leopard Panthera pardus and the snow leopard Panthera uncia. Our record of the Chinese mountain cat Felis bieti extends the known range of this species. We documented new upper elevation limits for eight species. There was elevational overlap between the leopard and the snow leopard, suggesting potential competition between the two species. The grey wolf Canis lupus and the leopard were the dominant predators, and the woolly hare Lepus oiostolus and several species of ungulates were the most frequently photographed prey species.

The study area maintains a significant community of large and medium-sized mammals, which is more diverse than in other areas on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. We recommend the establishment of a larger nature reserve of national protection status in the region of the Xionglongxi Provincial Nature Reserve, to protect the unique subalpine and alpine ecosystems in this area.

Xu, Y.; Wang, B.; Gu, X.; Song, D.; Yang, B.
Camera trapping reveals area of conservation significance for large and medium-sized mammals on the eastern Tibetan Plateau
2021 Oryx (56): 137-144

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