Mammal · GBIF taxon 2435037
Black-footed Cat
Felis nigripesAlso known as Small-Spotted Cat, Anthill Tiger
Black-footed cats are Africa's smallest wild felines, famed for an extraordinarily high hunting success rate during nocturnal stalks. They travel up to eight kilometers each night through arid grasslands, preying on small rodents, birds, and insects. Rather than digging their own dens, they shelter in abandoned termite mounds or springhare burrows to escape the scorching daytime heat.
NocturnalCarnivoreArid Adapted
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Rodents
- Small Birds
- Lizards
Predators
- Black-backed Jackals
- Caracals
- Large Owls
ThreatsHabitat destruction, indirect poisoning, land degradation
HabitatsArid grasslands, karoo shrublands, semi-deserts
Life span10–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFelidae
- SpeciesFelis nigripes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Feisty wild mammal that defends itself fiercely when cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- What to notice
- Distinctive tiny body with bold black spots, dark bands on legs, and dark soles on the feet.
- Support conservation
- Minimize disturbance by observing from vehicles and avoiding intrusive night-lighting.
Responsible observation
- Nocturnal Observation: Search open arid plains at night using red-filtered lights to prevent disturbing their natural hunting.
- Resting Areas: Maintain respectful distance around termite mounds and burrows where these elusive cats rest during daytime.
Competitor Derek Keats / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Sheelagh Halsey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sheelagh Halsey · cc-by
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