El gato del bosque de Amur (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)
Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus видео
The Amur forest cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a northern subspecies of Prionailurus bengalensis.
Description
Slightly larger than a domestic cat. Body length 75-90 cm, tail length 35-37 cm, weight 4-6 kg. The main colour of the coat is light greyish yellow or dull greyish brown with scattered dark reddish patches.
Habitat and range
Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus is distributed in the Far East, in the Amur River basin and along the coast of the Sea of Japan. In the vicinity of Lake Khanka it is found throughout the habitable area. It inhabits the Bolshekhetsirskii, Khankaiskii, Ussuriiskii, Kedrovaya Pad and Lazovskii nature reserves. It is a rare subspecies, included in the Red List of the Primorsky region.
Of particular interest is the unique ability of this animal to withstand severe winters, which is not characteristic of other felines. As the paws of Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus are not adapted to move in deep snow, hunting in such conditions becomes problematic for it, so it resorts to a simple trick: it accumulates large fat reserves for the winter, but not for hibernation. It needs them so that during the harsh winter weather it can consume them without leaving its hiding place.
Nutrition and reproduction
Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus feeds on mice, voles, squirrels and birds, and occasionally attacks hares and young roe deer.
It reaches sexual maturity at the age of 1 year. Mating takes place in March. Pregnancy lasts 65-70 days and the male participates in breeding. Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus has a life expectancy of 17-18 years.
