Fauna
Mammal

Black-footed Cat

Felis nigripes

Also 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
Black-footed Cat reference1 / 2
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyRodents, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyFelidae
  2. SpeciesFelis nigripes
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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