Africa’s smallest wild cat, the Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes), was first discovered to science in the landscapes of the northern Karoo of South Africa in 1824.
The Black-footed Cat, known scientifically as Felis nigripes, is one of the smallest wild cat species in the world, typically weighing just 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms (3.3 to 5.5 pounds) and measuring around 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) in length.
Black-footed cats are endemic to the arid steppes and grassland savannas of Southern Africa. Sightings of the cat species was recorded in southern Botswana, but only a few authentic records exist in Namibia, in southern Angola and in southern Zimbabwe.
Due to its restricted distribution, the Black-footed cat has been listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List since 2002. The population is suspected to be declining due to poaching of prey species for human consumption as bushmeat, persecution, road-kill, and predation by herding dogs.
What sets Black-footed cats from the Karoo apart from other wild cat coalitions residing in South Africa are their distinctively striking features, which include large, expressive eyes that enable excellent night vision and distinctive black markings on its feet, which give the species its name.
The wildcat’s small size allows it to be incredibly agile, making it an adept hunter of small prey, such as rodents and birds.
Fascinatingly, Black-footed cats have a reputation for being one of the most deadly hunters in relation to their size, with an impressive hunting success rate of about 60%. This is largely due to their stealth and ability to stay hidden in grasslands of the Great Karoo in southern Africa.
Despite the Black-footed cat’s petite stature, the feline’s fierce hunting skills and adaptability make them a remarkable example of the diversity found among the cat citizens of the Rainbow Nation.
