In an exciting turn of events, Thai conservationists recently celebrated the remarkable capture of an Asian golden cat on camera traps in the stunning Khao Luang National Park. This elusive feline, often referred to as the mythical “fire tiger” in Thai folklore, is one of the rarest wildcats in the world.
Known scientifically as Catopuma temminckii, the Asian golden cat shares its closest relatives with the bay cat of Borneo and the marbled cat of the Himalayas. Despite having diverged from its common ancestry with tigers between 8 and 16 million years ago, this enchanting cat is affectionately dubbed the “fire tiger” in Thailand due to its striking coat that shifts in color from tan to orange. Interestingly, in Chinese folklore, it is called the “metal cat.”
On July 7th, park officials shared the thrilling news on Facebook, revealing that the golden cat was recorded on camera for just 10 seconds before it gracefully vanished into the dense forest.
This elusive creature has perfectly adapted to its forest habitat, making it a master at evading human detection. Solitary and territorial, the Asian golden cat is known for its ability to hunt both during the day and at night, contributing to its reputation as one of the hardest cat species to spot in the wild.
In southeastern Myanmar, the Karen people hold a fascinating belief that carrying a single hair from this cat can deter tigers. The Asian golden cat is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans over livestock. A 2023 population estimate by the IUCN suggested that there could be around 7,000 mature individuals across its range, possibly ranging between 1,000 to 12,000. This variation highlights the cat’s elusive nature.
Strongholds for the Asian golden cat appear to be located in regions such as Bhutan, western Myanmar and eastern Bangladesh, the west coast of Thailand, the hilly forests of the Malaysian Peninsula, and the southern slopes of Sumatra.
WATCH the captivating fire tiger in action in the video below, and don’t forget to SHARE this exciting glimpse of a truly remarkable and lesser-known feline!
