Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) belongs to Carnivora Order and Felidae Family. It is native to China, Korea, India, Bangladesh. Japan etc. It is found in mid hills and terai region of Nepal. Among protected areas of Nepal, it can be seen in Khaptad National Park, Shukla Phanta National Park, Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, Shivapuri National Park and Chitwan National Park. The lifespan of leopard cat is 15-20 years. Its body looks like leopard with long legs. The colour of the body is yellowish with black spot and V shaped black stripes on its head. Its height is 0.35 m, length 0.6 m, tail 0.3 to 0.35 m long and weight is about 3 to 7 kg. The gestation period of leopard cat is 62 to 75 days. It is listed as a lower risk/least concern species in the IUCN Red List category and Appendix II of CITES. National red list of mammals categorizes it as a vulnerable species. The legal status of this species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973. It is protected because of its heavy habitat loss and poaching. It is traded in national and international markets due to skin and bone.
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