Laura Anderson
The swamp cat goes by many names, yet few have heard of this versatile feline. The Felis chaus, more commonly known as the jungle cat, is one of the most widespread cats in the animal kingdom; found across South Asia, the Middle East and northern parts of Africa.
Swamp cats are found in almost every habitat - from grasslands, deserts, wetlands to forests! However, it goes without saying that these cats are best suited for the swamps. Despite their common name “jungle cat”, jungle areas do not provide the hiding places these small cats need to keep safe. On the other hand, the low vegetation in the wetlands provide the purr-fect hideaways for these felines!
These wildcats have long, slender legs and a short tail which allow them to stalk the marshes with ease. Their faint stripes and reddish fur help them blend into their surroundings. Even the tufts on their ears aid them in their camouflage by breaking up their outline.
It was these tufts that gave them the name “jungle lynx” - another wildcat with tufted ears. However, the Felis chaus is more closely related to the domestic cats in our homes, sharing the same lineage and genus!
Swamp cats have a varied diet - a factor in their widespread distribution. Whilst they prefer to hunt rodents, they will also hunt amphibians, birds, fish and even snakes! In addition to this, they will also eat fruit and vegetables when prey is scarce in winter. In some regions, olives make up 15% of their diet!
Like many other felines, swamp cats are ambush hunters. They are primarily diurnal, hunting at dusk and dawn and basking during the day when the weather is too warm. They are fairly agile cats, able to chase their prey at speeds up to 32 km/h and leaping high into the air to catch birds.
Swamp cats are solitary animals, only seen together during mating season and when a mother is raising her young. Each litter consists of 2-3 kittens, who will then leave to be on their own at 9 months old. Their lifespan in the wild is unknown but captive individuals have lived up to 20 years!
Whilst they are listed as Least Concern, their numbers are decreasing. Habitat loss, reduced prey numbers and hunting by humans threatens their population. The Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation and International Society for Endangered Cats both take part in the efforts to conserve swamp cats and other small wildcats alike!
Now you know about the swamp cats!
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