tsushima leopard cat
Tsushima Leopard Cats inhabit only the island of Tsushima. They are about the same size as domestic cats; however, the differences are that Tsushima cats have stripes on the middle of their forehead and have rounded ears with white spots on the back. They were designated as a national natural treasure in 1971. Tsushima cats are also listed as endangered species.
During the 1960~1963 investigation, there were 250~300 Tsushima cats living in Tsushima. However, the number has decreased to 80~100 today. Such reasons are: decrease in habitat availability, traffic accidents, and infectious diseases from domestic cats.
The Ministry of the Environment has been working to protect Tsushima cats from extinction. Today, several Tsushima cats are being bred in captivity in five zoos around Japan such as: Fukuoka city zoological garden, Inokashira park zoo, Zoorasia Yokohama zoological garden, Toyama family park zoo, and Ishidake zoological garden.
From 2011, the ministry plans to build a training facility for captivity-bred Tsushima cats so that they can return to the wild in the near future. The facility is planned to be built in Ayumodoshi nature park in Izuhara.
From 2011, the ministry plans to build a training facility for captivity-bred Tsushima cats so that they can return to the wild in the near future. The facility is planned to be built in Ayumodoshi nature park in Izuhara.
Photos Provided by Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center
tsushima wildlife conservation center
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The Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center is located in Kamiagata for the purpose of protecting and studying wild animals. Several Tsushima cats are being protected at this center and are open to the public for visitors to see them from a close distance.
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