Bay cat facts, size and why they’re endangered in Borneo

Borneo Bay Cat Catopuma badia

Red List Status: Endangered

Locations: Indonesia, Malaysia

Brunei (Presence unknown)

Habitat loss due to commercial logging and conversion to oil palm plantations pose the greatest threat to the Bay Cat. Oil palm plantations are likely to expand in the future as a result of the push for biofuels, and forest cover on the island of Borneo, if current deforestation rates continue, is projected to decline from 50% to less than one-third by 2020 (Rautner et al. 2005).

IUCN red list

Appearance and behaviour

Borneo Bay Cats are about the size of a large domesticated cat, with a head-body length ranging from 49.5 to 67 cm and a tail length of 30 to 40.3 cm. They exhibit two distinct colour morphs: the more common reddish-brown (bay) form and a less common grey form. Their coats are typically uniform in colour, with faint markings on the face and a white underside of the tail tip. These cats are highly elusive and primarily nocturnal, making them challenging to study in the wild. Their behaviour and ecology remain largely unknown due to their secretive, cryptic nature.

Geographic range

The Borneo Bay Cat is exclusively found on the island of Borneo, encompassing both Malaysian (Sabah and Sarawak) and Indonesian (Kalimantan) territories. They inhabit various forest types, including lowland dipterocarp forests, hill forests, and peat swamp forests, up to elevations of about 900 meters. Their presence is closely associated with dense forest cover, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.

Diet

Due to the scarcity of direct observations, the diet of the Borneo Bay Cat is not well-documented. However, like other small felids, they are presumed to be carnivorous, preying on small mammals, birds, and possibly reptiles and insects. Their role as predators helps maintain the ecological balance within their habitat.

Reproduction and mating

Information regarding the reproductive behaviour of the Borneo Bay Cat is virtually nonexistent. In captivity, a female was observed to give birth to a single kitten, suggesting a possible low reproductive rate. However, comprehensive studies are needed to understand their mating systems, gestation periods, and parental care.

Threats

The Borneo Bay Cat is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Conservation efforts are hindered by the lack of comprehensive data on their ecology and population dynamics. Protecting their remaining forest habitats and implementing anti-poaching measures are crucial steps toward their preservation.

Palm oil and timber deforestation

Extensive deforestation for logging, palm oil plantations, and human settlement has led to significant habitat fragmentation and loss.

Illegal poaching and trapping

Poaching, particularly the use of snares, poses a significant threat. Wildlife traders are aware of the species’ rarity, and Bay Cats have been captured illegally from the wild for the skin and pet markets (Sunquist and Sunquist 2002, Kitchener et al. 2004, Azlan and Sanderson 2007).

The Borneo Bay Cat was not recorded during an intensive, felid-focused camera trap survey of oil palm plantations in Sabah (Ross et al. 2010, Yue et al. in press).

IUCN Red lIST

FAQs: Important bay cat facts

Why is the Borneo bay cat endangered?

The Borneo bay cat faces a severe extinction threat due to extreme habitat loss. Commercial logging and palm oil plantations destroy the dense tropical forests they rely on. Consequently, their populations become isolated and highly vulnerable. Furthermore, illegal poaching poses a massive threat. Wildlife traders aggressively target them for illegal skin and pet markets. Therefore, the IUCN lists the species as Endangered.

How rare is the Borneo Bay cat?

They are incredibly rare and elusive. Scientists cannot provide an exact population count today. However, estimates suggest fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain in the wild. Since their discovery over a century ago, researchers have recorded less than 100 confirmed sightings. Furthermore, their extreme secrecy makes them very difficult to study. Consequently, they are one of the least understood wildcats globally.

Does Borneo have big cats?

Borneo does not have true big cats like tigers or leopards. Instead, the island hosts five smaller wildcat species. The Sunda clouded leopard is the largest felid found there. Meanwhile, the Bay cat, marbled cat, flat-headed cat, and leopard cat also share this tropical habitat. Furthermore, all these unique predators face severe threats from rampant palm oil deforestation.

How are bay cats being protected?

The Borneo bay cat endangered status highlights an urgent need for protection. Currently, they are fully protected under national laws in Malaysia and Indonesia. This legislation bans all hunting and trading of the species. Furthermore, several conservation groups work to secure their remaining forest habitats. However, enforcement remains incredibly difficult in remote jungle areas. Therefore, stopping palm oil expansion is vital for their survival.

What do Borneo Bay cats eat?

Scientists have rarely observed them hunting in the wild. Therefore, the exact Borneo bay cat diet remains largely undocumented. Researchers presume they are strictly carnivorous, however. They likely hunt small mammals, particularly rodents, alongside forest birds. Furthermore, they may consume reptiles and insects when larger prey is scarce. Consequently, they maintain a delicate ecological balance within their rainforest habitat.

How big are Borneo bay cats?

The Borneo bay cat size is roughly equivalent to a large domestic cat. They feature a noticeably elongated tail, however. Their head and body measure between 49.5 and 67 centimetres. Meanwhile, their long tail adds an additional 30 to 40 centimetres to their total length. Furthermore, an adult Bay cat weighs between 3 and 4 kilograms. Therefore, they are highly agile and lightweight forest predators.

Take action!

Protect the Borneo Bay Cat by boycotting products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil. Use your wallet as a weapon to support ethical and eco-friendly choices. Share their story and fight for their survival with #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife.

Further Information

Hearn, A., Brodie, J., Cheyne, S., Loken, B., Ross, J. & Wilting, A. 2016. Catopuma badia (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T4037A112910221. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T4037A50650716.en. Downloaded on 25 January 2021.

Felidae Conservation Fund. (n.d.). Bay Cat. Retrieved from Felidae Conservation Fund

Hance, J. (2024). On the trail of Borneo’s bay cat, one of the world’s most mysterious felines. Mongabay. Retrieved from Mongabay

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Bay Cat. Retrieved from Wikipedia

Wildcat Conservation. (n.d.). Borneo Bay Cat. Retrieved from Wildcat Conservation

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