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Poor, E.E.; Firman, A.; Pajaitan, E.; Tugio,; Zulfahmi,; Kelly, M.J.
Second record of a melanistic Asiatic golden cat in Sumatra
2017 Cat News (65): 46-47
Asiatic golden cats _Catopuma temminckii_ are currently listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List with a declining population trend, largely due to habitat loss and poaching. As one of the most polymorphic felids, multiple pelage morphs have been recorded in the northern parts of its range, while in the southern parts, the reddish-brown coat is dominant. In central Sumatra, field teams conducted an ad-hoc camera trap study in Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve from March - June 2016. Seven videos of golden cats were recorded, including one melanistic individual. Although camera trapping efforts have taken place throughout Sumatra for years, this is only the second recorded melanistic individual, suggesting rare occurrence of the recessive mutation leading to melanism in Sumatra, despite more common occurrence elsewhere.
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