Two rare subspecies of leopard cat—Iriomote and Tsushima cat—are found only on the islands that bear their names. Both are smaller than a housecat and have populations of less than 100 animals in the wild, making them critically endangered in Japan. The cats have adapted to their isolated ecosystems by developing a more diverse diet, and both have received considerable public attention in Japan. In 1995, the Ministry of Environment established a protection and breeding program for this wild cat.
Urine from the Iriomote and Tsushima leopard cats was collected to determine whether urinary metabolites differ between the two subspecies. The urine specific gravity of Iriomote and Tsushima cats differed significantly, indicating that the cat’s body fluids have different compositions. In addition, the metabolite 3-mercapto-3-methyl-1-butanol was higher in Iriomote cat urine than in Tsushima leopard cat urine. Physiological proteinuria was also observed in the urine samples of both species, but Iriomote cat urine contained significantly more proteins than Tsushima cat urine.
Unlike their Formosan clouded leopard ancestors, which can withstand the cold of Japan’s mountain ranges, Tsushima leopard cats have thicker coats to help them survive. They inhabit forests, mountain slopes, and cultivated areas at lower altitudes. They are active from sunset to dawn and eat a variety of prey, including insects, reptiles, and birds.
Despite the high conservation status of the Iriomote and Tsushima Leopard Cat, the population is declining due to habitat destruction and road kills. The JAZA conservation project for these endangered leopard cats promotes reproduction, maintains and improves the captive population, and conducts research to enhance their survival in captivity and reintroduce them into the wild.
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