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Tantipisanuh, N.; Chutipong, W.; Ngoprasert, D.; Lynam, A.J.; Steinmetz, R.; Sukmasuang, R.; Jenks, K.E.; Grassman Jr., L.I.; Cutter, P.; Kitamura, S.; Baker, M.C.; McShea, W.; Bhumpakphan, N.; Gale, G.A.; Reed, D.H.
Recent distribution records, threats and conservation priorities of small cats in Thailand
2014  Cat News (Special Issue 8): 36-44

Although small cats are presumed important as mesopredators in mammalian food chains, they have been largely ignored by biodiversity assessments of Thailand's protected areas. In November 2009, a workshop involving regional specialists and participants from local universities, conservation organizations and government agencies was convened to assess the current status and distribution of small carnivores. In this paper, we review the small cat by-catch from 24 camera-trap surveys primarily targeting tigers _Panthera tigris _and other large mammals, two radio-telemetry studies, and a small number of direct sightings from 16 protected areas across Thailand. These data were collected between 1996 and 2011 and form the most current available information on distribution and threats for small cats in the country. A total of seven small to medium cat species have been recorded in Thailand. No cat species is restricted to Thailand and while some (leopard cat _Prionailurus bengalensis_, mainland clouded leopard _Neofelis nebulosa_, Asiatic golden cat _Catopuma temminckii _and marbled cat _Pardofelis marmorata_) are evidently widespread across the country where habitat is available, abundance and ranging patterns in the recorded sites are poorly understood. Fishing cat _Prionailurus viverrinus_, jungle cat _Felis chaus _and flat-headed cat _Prionailurus planiceps _are each known from few Thai records and localities, and populations may be particularly threatened due to persecution, and loss and degradation of habitat. Small and medium cats in general may be persecuted but seldom appear in wildlife trade inside Thailand with the exception of the clouded leopard. A thorough review of Thai historical records of small cats, to look for patterns of range contraction and habitat use, is needed, with a focus on those species which have not been widely found today (fishing cat, flat-headed cat and jungle cat).

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