Animals that may not be discovered in Singapore

17 Nov 2007

Species

Scientists estimate that millions of plant and animal species remain unknown, especially those in this region - with a vast number constantly being discovered.

WHILE the leopard cat, or prionailurus bengalensis, can be found all over Asia and throughout most of South-east Asia, it is considered one of the rarest mammals here.

In fact, the miniature feline was so rarely seen that it was thought to be extinct on the mainland, despite being found on islands like Pulau Tekong. But just last month, one was spotted - sadly, as roadkill - in Jalan Bahar, outside the Civil Defence Academy.

The average leopard cat is as large as a domestic cat. It can reach up to 50cm in body length, and its tail grows to as long as 25cm.

The fur of those found here is yellow-brown, with black markings that may be, depending on the sub-species, spots or rosettes.

These cats are nocturnal and usually solitary except during mating. They are not considered dangerous, and eat frogs, lizards, birds and forest rats.

VERTEBRATE STUDY GROUP NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE)