species in spotted form, which is also
known as ocelot morph because of
its ocelot-like rosettes, also occurs
in some closed forest habitats. As
of now, more information from
various sources needs to be gathered
to determine the true morphological
character and conservation status
of the Asiatic golden cat across its
range. The scientific name of Asiatic
golden cat is Catopuma temmincki.
Historically, the Asiatic golden cat
was first described by Coenraad Jacob
Temminck in 1827, a Dutch zoologist.
In honour of his name, the Asiatic
golden cat is known as Temmincks cat.
The Asiatic golden cat is the largest
of the group of smaller oriental
cat families with the exception of
clouded leopard. Morphologically,
the feline has black and white lines
that run vertically from the top of
the head to the middle side of the eye
downwards across the neck. Females
are in general smaller than their male
counterparts. Presently, the feline
is seen rarely in the State of Assam
(Manas National Park), Mizoram
(Dampa Tiger Reserve), Sikkim
(Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve)
Asian golden cat with a piece of meat
Babirusa, CC BY-SA 3.0
22
