Asiatic Golden Cat was camera-trapped in 12 survey areas with 55 independent events (occurring from the southernmost to the northernmost survey areas) (Zaw et al, 2014). Habitat loss, degradation and poaching, as with other medium and small cats, have caused this species to decline. We believe that this species has decreased by around 20% over the past three generations (close to 20 years) due to forest loss and poaching. Asiatic golden cat is recorded across Myanmar according to camera trap surveys and opportunistic searches in the villages, hunting camps and markets as mentioned in Zaw et al. (2014), hence, the assessment team suspects that the species is still widespread, although the population in Myanmar is likely to be less than 10000 individuals.
Asiatic Golden Cat
ကျားမင်း, ကြောင်မင်း
Catopuma temminckiiCarnivora
FamilyFelidae
ClassMammal
Extinction risk
Measurement
Head to body lengthHead to Body Length (cm): 66 - 105
Body weight (kg)Body weight (kg): 12~15
Justification
Asiatic Golden Cat population in Myanmar is likely to be between 2500 and 10000. Its habitat has decreased in the past ten years and is continuing to decrease. Hunting is also a threat since the species is hunted for trade. It meets the Criterion C1 for VU category. While there are populations in the neighboring regions, because of the small home range, migration is suspected to not play a significant role for its population for the region.
Wild population
Trend
Myanmar population
Global population
Habitat ecology
Previous records from Myanmar were in thick or moderately thick forest at altitudes between 760m and 1,300m (Tun Yin 1967). The species occurs in evergreen forest, semi evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous forest.
Threats to survival
In Myanmar, the species is threatened by habitat loss, and hunting.
Instruction: The visualization shows threats that are impacting each species. According to IUCN, direct threats are the proximate human activities or processes that have impacted, are impacting, or may impact the the status of the taxon being assessed. Click of the highlighted icons to see details each threat category.
Use and trade
Skin has turned up in illegal wildlife markets (Nijman and Shepherd, 2015). The species is illegally traded especially for its skin, canines, claws, and bones and it is also used as trophy in traditional ceremony and traditional Chinese medicine.
Research
Research undertaken
For this species, monitoring and density estimation in several sites was conducted in Myanmar. Camera trapping and analysis, population monitoring, community engagement, law enforcement with SMART patrolling are also done in its range even though most of these actions are not particularly targeted for this species. C. temminckill is listed as completely protected species according to the Conservation of Biodiversity and Protected Area Law (2018).
Research needed
Law enforcement, combating wildlife crime and patrolling are needed. Ecological research, population estimation, population trend research and trade assessment are needed.
Assessed by
Than Zaw,Hla Naing,Myint Thein,Myo Min Tun,Su Su,Margaret Nyein Nyein Myint,Thida Oo,Nay Myo Shwe,Paing Soe,Okkar Myo,Min Hein Htike,Theint Thanda BoReviewed by
James Tallant,Monica Böhmreferences
Resources
National Redlist of Threatened Species in Myanmar
The Myanmar National Red List of threatened species contributes to the GEF funded “Strengthening Sustainability of Protected Area Management in Myanmar” project. To support the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (2015-2020), Target 12 for commitment to prevent the extinction of known threatened species and improve their conservation status, the National Red List of some selected taxa has been produced. This report summarizes the assessment process and its results with detailed descriptions for some selected threatened species in Myanmar.
