KUCHING: A rare Borneon bay cat from the Pardofelis badia species, with new black morph colour variation, has been recorded in Lundu some 100km from here recently.
Forest Department research officer and biologist, Dr Ahmad Ampeng, said research was made on the species from the Pardofelis genus which is an endemic in Borneo and rarely seen. The study on wild cat species variation, ecology and behaviour was undertaken by its Research Development and Innovation (RDID) Department.
Previously, only four of the wild cat species have been recorded in the state – in Mulu National Park, Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulong Tau National Park and Anap Muput.
“Based on the recorded colour of such species, it is shown that the Pardofelis badia either has a reddish bay coat or blackish grey coat. The Pardofelis badia recorded in Lundu was all black with a reddish coat at its tail.
“The black coated individual that was recorded explained that this species possesses a variation of different colours similar to its close cousins the Prionailurus bengalensis which also has various colour variations,” Ahmad said when contacted yesterday.
Following the find, he said further research and intensive observation were being carried out.
Meanwhile in June, a new wild cat species scientifically known as Kiarsuii was recorded following a similar observation referring to animal ecology and behaviour conducted in the Gunung Gading National Park in Lundu.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Rare Borneon bay cat sighted in Lundu, Sarawak
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