The Rusty-Spotted Cat
The Rusty Spotted Cat (Felis rubiginosa phillipsi).
This tiny felid is about 1/2
the size of a domestic cat. It weighs only about 1
kilogram (2.2 pounds) and its head and body length
is 35-48 centimeters (13-19
inches) with a tail measuring 15-25 centimeters
(6-9 inches).
In Sri Lanka, the Rusty-spotted
cat is found from sea level to 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) in humid forest,
low scrub, and the arid coastal belts. In India, it lives in moist deciduous
forest, scrub forest, grassland and arid scrub.
Sri Lanka and Southern India,
but this felid has also been recorded in Gujarat and Jammu provinces of
Northern India.
1-2 young are born after a
67 day gestation period. The young do not develop the spots which is present
in adults until they are more mature.
Diet consists of small mammals
and birds, along with reptiles, frogs and insects. They are also known
to attack domestic chickens when the opportunity arises.
