Protect Taiwan’s Endangered Leopard Cats Before It’s Too Late
Fewer than 500 Formosan leopard cats remain in the wild. Your support can help save them from extinction.
Discover Leopard Cat
A secretive and elusive species, the Formosan leopard cat is now Taiwan’s only native wild feline. However, habitat loss and human activities are driving it toward extinction.
Introduction to the Leopard Cat
The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) has the broadest geographic distribution of all the small Asian cats. It is found throughout East to Southeast Asia. However, the leopard cat is currently the only wild feline species in Taiwan. Although it is not endemic to the island, the leopard cat plays a crucial role as the top predator in Taiwan’s lowland ecosystems, making it both a keystone and an umbrella species. In Taiwan, the leopard cat is classified as an endangered species. Unfortunately, its population has been declining rapidly in recent years, with both its distribution and numbers under threat from habitat fragmentation and human activity.
How to Identify a Leopard Cat
The leopard cat resembles a domestic tabby cat but has a shorter muzzle, rounder ears, and a longer body and limbs. It measures 55-65 cm in length, with a 27-30 cm tail, and weighs between 3-6 kg, with males typically larger than females. Its coat ranges from brown to yellow-brown, covered in coin-sized dark brown spots across its body and tail. Notable features include two white stripes on the forehead and around the eyes, black round ears with a white spots on the back, and a relatively short bushy tail compared to that of a domestic cat.
Where Do Leopard Cats Live
It is currently estimated that only 468-669 leopard cats remain in Taiwan. They mainly inhabit lowland areas below 800 meters in elevation, including primary broadleaf forests, secondary forests, acacia forests, grasslands, and even agricultural lands such as plantations and orchards. These habitats are often located near suburban settlements. Over the past decades, the leopard cat population has declined rapidly. Recent surveys indicate that stable populations remain in Miaoli, Taichung, and Nantou, while only sporadic records have been reported in Hsinchu, Changhua, Yulin, Chiayi and Tainan.
About Us
Leopard Cat
Association of Taiwan
Association of Taiwan
Founded on October 8, 2017, the Leopard Cat Association of Taiwan was established through the efforts of Dr. Mei-Ting Chen—fondly known as the “Leopard Cat Mom”—and a dedicated group of supporters.
The association is dedicated to the protection of the endangered leopard cat in Taiwan. Through conservation efforts, scientific research, and public awareness initiatives, the association strives to engage the public in protecting this rare species. Looking ahead, it aims to expand international collaboration by sharing research findings and conservation experiences with other countries that are also working to protect small wild cats, such as the leopard cat.
Our Work
Working to Save Taiwan’s
Endangered Leopard Cats
Endangered Leopard Cats
Protecting leopard cats and preserving their natural habitat
Educating the public on how to live harmony with leopard cats
Conducting ecological research focused on leopard cats
Engage in policy and advocacy for leopard cats
Our Volunteers
Passionate People
Making a Difference
Making a Difference
We recruit two types of volunteers: Education & Outreach Volunteers, trained to lead public awareness efforts, and General Service Volunteers, who assist with habitat conservation, chicken coop improvements, and eco-friendly farming.