The Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) is a subspecies of the leopard cat that lives exclusively on the Japanese island of Iriomote. As of 2007 there are an estimated 100–109 individuals remaining. It has been classified as Critically Endangered by IUCN since 2008, as the population size is fewer than 250, is declining, and consists of a single subpopulation.
In Japanese it is called Iriomote-yamaneko "Iriomote mountain cat" (西表山猫?) and has also previously been known to the local islanders as yamamaya (ヤママヤ?, "the cat in the mountain"), yamapikaryaa (ヤマピカリャー?, "that which shines on the mountain"), and meepisukaryaa (メーピスカリャー?, "that which has flashing eyes").
Read more about Iriomote Cat: Distribution, Physical Characteristics, Classification and Genealogy, Ecology, In Captivity, Discovery, Relationship With Humans, Yamapikaryā
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