Wild cat
Felis sylvestris
Key identification features
Looks very much like a domestic cat though distinguished by longer legs and orange behind the ears. HB 55-70 cm. Wt 3-6 kg.
Habitat and social behaviour
Nocturnal and solitary. Found in a wide variety of habitats from open grasslands, woodlands and close to urban areas. Common in the farms around Arusha.
Similar species
Easily confused with domestic cats, and indeed hybridization is a big problem. Its tail is approximately ½ its body length and has black rings, which distinguishes it from Serval or Caracal.
Distribution Map
Photo gallery
