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
Famous quotes containing the word cat:
“You know, Frank, I’m beginning to get a new perspective on this crawling little animal known as man. Why a dog or a cat or a bird is cleverer than any human. They sense me immediately. But these shrewd detectives of yours—. Take away one of man’s senses and you render him helpless.”
—Lester Cole (1904–1985)