The black-footed cat is in danger

Small, shy, but known to be fierce, the black-footed cat is one of the most efficient hunters in the animal world. Yet despite its remarkable success rate, the small wild cat is considered endangered.

At first glance it looks like a normal house cat. But don’t be fooled. Despite its small size – 50 centimeters – the black-footed cat is one of the most dangerous predators in the world. And for good reason, his success rate when hunting is 60%. Enough to make any large predator green with envy. And yet, its survival is threatened.

An effective hunter

Weighing barely 1.5 kilograms, the Felis nigripes of its scientific name is the smallest wild cat in Africa. It can kill up to 14 animals in a single night, which is about a fifth of its weight. This earned him the nickname “the deadliest cat in the world.”

The black-footed cat, a nocturnal animal, travels great distances every night to hunt its prey. Its menu mainly includes mice, birds and insects. Through quick movements and a well-thought-out strategy, he ensures his position as one of the most efficient hunters in the animal world. In comparison, big cats like lions often have a hunting success rate of less than 50%.

Its habitat spans the dry savannahs and semi-deserts of southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. With its sand-colored fur dotted with dark spots, it fits perfectly into this arid environment. Its black pads, which gave it its name, provide protection against the hot, rough ground.

The disease causes significant losses

As fascinating as the black-footed cat is, the dangers facing he faces are equally important. Its natural habitat is becoming increasingly reduced due to human intervention in nature, such as agriculture and colonization.

In addition, the species fights a disease, amyloidosis, which damages its kidneys through protein deposits and causes heavy losses to zoos. Since 2014, the species is no longer kept in European zoos.

Conservation organizations such as the Black-footed Cat Working Group are intensively committed to the preservation of this fascinating species. In addition to creating protected areas, they study the lifestyle of cats and develop strategies to protect them from extinction. (nick)

(Translated and adapted by Chiara Lecca)

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