The tragic story of the Iriomote cat: that is why they are on the verge of extinction

The Iriomote cat lives on - you won't guess - the tiny Iriomote Island in Japan. The native cat is often called Yamapikarya or Yamamaya by the locals. Unfortunately, their numbers are rapidly decreasing. Based on current estimates, it is good if 100 individuals are still alive.

They were first discovered in 1965 and then were thought to be a new species. During the detailed research, however, it turned out that they are actually members of the Prionailurus genus and the Felidae family. Along with the domestic cat and the leopard cat, it is the only cat that lives in Japan. This also seems quite special, but these unusual cats have many other surprises in store.

“That which shines on the mountains”

Its size is no bigger than a domestic cat. It weighs about 3-5 kg and is 50-60 cm long. Its fur is extravagant, it mixes patterns perfectly: dots and stripes also appear on it.

Its Japanese name is Yamapikaryaa, which roughly means: that which shines on the mountains. The reason for this is probably the two reflective, beautiful pairs of eyes that sparkle when the light shines on them. Another name is Yamamayaa, which means “cat on the mountain”. We have to admit, the previous one is much more imaginative.

What is an enemy to most cats, excitement for them

They are indigenous to Iriomote Island, one of Japan’s 14,125 islands. It is located in Okinawa Prefecture and is well known for its mountainous landscapes. Its island provides a subtropical habitat for these cats with its lush forests and extensive waterways. They are nocturnal animals, so it is very difficult to study their lifestyle due to their secretive nature.

However, we already know that they are extremely good at climbing trees and can even swim. But when it comes to their jumping abilities, they lag behind other cat breeds. They have also been spotted enjoying the island’s sandy beaches on some rare occasions.

For a long time they did not believe in its existence

In 1962, the staff of the University of  the Ryukyus captured the first specimen in order to study the species. However, until then, they weren’t quite sure that this special cat existed. They suspected that the locals only saw stray domestic cats on the mountains.

It soon became clear that it was not a fairy tale, but the researchers were also confronted with the sad reality. At that time, there were still so many of this species that the locals used them as an ingredient in soup.

Their appearance causes confusion

Of course not because they are ugly. At the time of their discovery, scientists stared at each other in confusion, because although their size is very similar to of a domestic cat, their external features could not be more different. So very early on, their idea that the ancestors of these cats had once arrived on the island by ship and evolved from those animals went up in smoke. Their tails and legs are much shorter, their ears are rounded, and their paws are large compared to their bodies.

Based on DNA analysis, it is now believed that the Iriomote cat evolved from the Leopard cat around 200,000 years ago.

The butt issue

Iriomote cats also have anal, or scent glands, which are used to mark their territory. However, unlike other cat species, these glands are not located inside their anus, but outside.

Gourmet kitties

Since they live on a small island where they are not threatened by predators or danger other than humans and dogs, they are not forced to restrict their diet. Their eating habits change depending on the season. During spring and summer, frogs and lizards make up the majority of their menu, while in autumn and winter they hunt bats and crickets. But they don’t disdain rodents and birds either, and since they love water and are good fishers, they eat a lot of fish and crabs too.