Scientific Name: Felix silvestris lybica
One of the five subspecies of wild cats is the African Wildcat, Felix silvestris lybica. Africa's sub-Saharan region, excluding the rainforest and the coastal deserts of Namibia. African wildcats can be found in a variety of habitats that offer sufficient shelter.
The African Wildcat resembles a domestic cat but has longer legs. Iron grey and tawny grey are two colour phases. Its appearance is characterised by faint, vertical stripes that can serve as a mark. The reddish-brown colour on its abdomen, rear of its legs, and on the backs of its ears is its most distinctive trait. 46 to 66 cm in length, weighing 2.4 to 5.5 kg.
African wildcats were divided into three populations roughly 173,000 years ago: the Near Eastern wildcat, the Southern African wildcat, and the Asian wildcat. The domesticated Near Eastern wildcat is the ancestor of the modern house cat. The domestic cat descended from an African wild cat.
To better integrate into its surroundings, it has a wide range of coat colours and a widespread distribution. The Ancient Egyptians domesticated the Near Eastern African wildcat some 10,000 years ago to safeguard their granaries by controlling rat infestations.
Conservation Status: The major threat to wildcats, according to experts, is hybridization with domestic cats. Africa's southern and northern regions have yielded proof of this cross-breeding. A small number of genetically pure African wildcats may still remain, but hybridization may have been ongoing for a very long time.
Weight: 2.4 to 5.5 kg (5.2 - 12.2 lb)
Shoulder height: 46 to 66 cm (18 - 26 in.)
Hunting Permit Required: Although the IUCN has designated African Wild Cats as a species of least concern, some provinces may still require a special night hunting permit and licence.
