| Prionailurus[1] | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Family: | Felidae |
| Subfamily: | Felinae |
| Genus: | Prionailurus Severtzov, 1858 |
| Type species | |
| Felis pardochrous Hodgson, 1844 (= Felis bengalensis Kerr, 1792) |
|
| Species | |
|
Prionailurus bengalensis |
|
Prionailurus is a genus comprising a number of species of Asian small cats. Cats considered to be members of this genus are:[1]
- Leopard Cat, Prionailurus bengalensis
- Iriomote Cat, Prionailurus iriomotensis
- Flat-headed Cat, Prionailurus planiceps
- Rusty-spotted Cat, Prionailurus rubiginosus
- Fishing Cat, Prionailurus viverrinus
- Tsushima Cat (probably a variety of Manchurian Leopard Cat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptailurus)
They are generally smallish felines, distinguished from the typical Felis cats by a thicker tail that is considerably shorter than the body, a shorter snout, and large eyes; this gives them a distinct and especially in the case of P. planiceps quite unusual appearance. Prionailurus cats are typically forest animals, and most are able to swim well; some species are actually semi-aquatic and feed mainly on fish and other aquatic animals.
Recent molecular analysis of leopard cat populations [2] found a clear distinction between northern Leopard Cat populations (Tsushima, Korea, Siberia, China and Taiwan) and southeast Asian populations. If these genetic differences indicate a specific distinction, P. b. euptailurus may yet be a valid species.
References
- ^ a b Wozencraft, W. C. (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 542-544. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3.
- ^ T. Tamada, B. Siriaroonrat, V. Subramaniam, et al. (2006). "Molecular diversity and phylogeography of the Asian leopard cat, Felis bengalensis...". Zoological science 26: 154-163. doi:. http://www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.2108/zsj.25.154.
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