IUCN Assessment
The cat’s classification under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ (Red List) is Near Threatened (NT see above). This classification as to survival is in part based on a population decline over the last 15 years of 20%. The assessment would seem to be a little less than absolutely reliable as little is known about this cat species and IUCN Red List themselves admit that there is a need for further work on population levels.
The figures above are from IUCN Red List and are based on reliable estimates. The present figure in the graph is a lower estimate. This cat species would seem to be on the brink of being reclassified to “Threatened” because of the population decline. The reasons for the population decline are (they relate mainly to West Africa):
- Habitat loss (the classic reason suffered by all wildcats whose population is falling).
- Hunting.
- Loss of prey (presumed because of habitat loss also and hunting).
This wild cat is rarely seen alive but skins are seen in bush meat markets and as decoration.
African Golden Cat – Range:
This is shown on the map below, the data for which originates from the Red List website. The map has been carefully prepared. All the wildcat distributions are either changing or are sometimes based on incomplete information. The map below can be amended by people who are willing and able by going to Google My Maps, here’s the link which opens a new window (but please respect the existing map): African golden cat geographic range.
View African Golden Cat Geographic Range 2009 in a larger map
This map can be seen in large format with more on the geographic range here: African golden cat geographic range. If you click on the blue flags, you will see more information and pictures. All wild cat range maps need continual input from people on the ground who know. Can you help? This map can be amended. Simply click on the above link to find out.
This cat’s habitat is the forests of Equatorial Africa. The countries that the range covers and where the cat is native are:
- Angola
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic of Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Liber ia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Uganda
It is uncertain if the African Golden cat occupies these countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mali
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- United Republic of Togo
