Cape Lion: Rediscovering an Extinct African Lion The Cape Lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) was a subspecies of lion native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. These black-maned lions were known for their distinctive mane, which extended down their chest and belly, setting them apart from other lion subspecies. Cape Lions were once abundant in the grasslands and savannahs…
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Barbary Lions: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Extinct Atlas Lion Barbary Lions, scientifically known as Panthera leo leo, and also known as the Atlas lion, was once a majestic and powerful apex predator roaming the forests and mountains of North Africa. Historically admired for their size and regal appearance, these lions played a significant role in the region’s ecology. Their…
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Why Do Cats Hide: Unraveling Feline Behavior Why do cats hide? One common behavior among cats is their tendency to hide. Hiding may be part of their instinctual nature or due to environmental factors, making it essential for cat parents to understand why their pets engage in this activity. Understanding cat behavior is crucial if we want to create a…
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Tiger Roar, Growl, Chuff and Moan: Understanding Tiger Sounds Tigers roar, growl, chuff and moan. Tigers unique vocalizations are made up of four primary sounds; the roar, growl, chuff, and moan. These vocalizations serve various purposes and convey different messages to other tigers within their territory. Understanding these sounds and their significance helps shed light on the behaviors and motivations…
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Why do lions roar? Roaring is the signature vocalization of lions, and it serves various purposes for these top predators. Once I was standing in front of an African lion enclosure while visiting a big cat sanctuary. While we were engaged in a conversation about the tigers housed across the way, the male lion was able to sneak up behind…
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Geoffroy’s Cat: the Small South American Wild Cats Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) , sometimes misspelled Geoffrey’s Cat, are South American wild cats. They inhabit various landscapes, including dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Geoffroy’s Cat shares some similarities with domestic cats but displays different behaviors and environmental adaptations. Although Geoffroy’s Cat is smaller in size, they are a skilled predator and…
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the Northern Tiger Cat AKA Oncilla Taxonomy and Classification The Northern Tiger Cat, also known as the Oncilla, is a small wild cat species native to Central and South America. It is scientifically classified as Leopardus tigrinus. This species was once considered a single species, but recent genetic studies have led to its split into two separate species: the Northern…
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Eurasian Lynx: Overview of This Wild Cat Species Physical Characteristics The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized felid found across Europe and Asia. This solitary wild cat has distinct features that make it easily recognizable. Eurasian Lynx Body Size Eurasian lynxes are known for their size, being one of the largest species in the lynx genus. Their body length…
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Margay: Facts and Conservation Efforts MARgay size The margay is a small wild cat native to Central and South America. Its distinctive appearance features a sleek body, with a length of approximately 19 to 31 inches. This feline is primarily brown, and its face is characterized by its unique, striking spots and bands. Fur and Color Margays have thick, soft…
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Flat Headed Cat: The Unique Characteristics Flat Headed Cat Identification The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is a small wild cat species native to Southeast Asia, known for its distinctive physical characteristics. The photo above was taken by Jim Sanderson, a small cat hero! Sanderson is the founder and director of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation, a member of the…
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Domestic Dogs Impact on Bobcats and Puma Domestic dogs impact on bobcats and other wildlife. You might wonder why we are writing about dogs when our focus is on all cats big and small. You may be aware of the non-stop criticism against domestic cats and their impact on birds and wildlife but you see much outrage about domestic dogs….
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What is Kopi Luwak? Cat Poop Coffee Kopi luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee. This cat poop coffee has captivated the attention of many due to the nature of its production process. Civet poop coffee is a popular trend garnering interest from connoisseurs and casual coffee enthusiasts alike. But it’s important to consider the inhumane way the coffee is…
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African Civet: Habitat and Behavior and Civetone Civet Fur and Markings The African Civet (Civettictis civetta) is a nocturnal mammal characterized by its unique fur patterns and markings. Their fur has a dense undercoat and a distinct overcoat composed of coarse hairs, which are marked with a combination of spots and stripes. The arrangement of these spots and stripes varies…
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