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wild cat

Felis silvestris

Critically Endangered

About

wild cat (Felis silvestris) is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild due to severe population decline and habitat loss.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and montane grasslands and shrublands, among 13 distinct biome types spanning the Afrotropic and Neotropic and Palearctic realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Widely distributed across Africa (Madagascar), Asia (Cyprus, Saudi Arabia), Europe (7 countries), North America (Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico), and South America (Peru). Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🇨🇺 Cuba 🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy 🇲🇬 Madagascar 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇵🇪 Peru 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸 Spain 🇺🇦 Ukraine

Conservation Status

CR Critically Endangered

Full Taxonomy

Carnivora (Carnivorans)

Species

Felis silvestris (wild cat)

Names in Other Languages

Spanish Gato Montés

French chat sauvage, chat sauvage deurope, chat forestier

German Wildkatze

Portuguese Gato cabeçanas

Arabic Al qit

Turkish Yaban kedisi

Similar Species in Felis

African black-footed cat

View all species in Felis →

Explore More

Compare Species

vs African black-footed cat vs Cat vs Chinese Desert cat vs Jungle cat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of wild cat?

The scientific name of wild cat is Felis silvestris. It belongs to the genus Felis.

What is the conservation status of wild cat?

wild cat (Felis silvestris) is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Where does wild cat live?

wild cat is found in Widely distributed across Africa (Madagascar), Asia (Cyprus, Saudi Arabia), Europe (7 countries), North America (Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico), and South America (Peru). Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Belgium, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, France, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico, Peru, Portugal.

What family does wild cat belong to?

wild cat (Felis silvestris) belongs to the genus Felis, which is part of the taxonomic family Felidae.

Is wild cat endangered?

Yes, wild cat (Felis silvestris) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

What kingdom does wild cat belong to?

wild cat (Felis silvestris) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (Animals).

What are the closest relatives of wild cat?

The closest relatives of wild cat in the genus Felis include African black-footed cat, Cat, Chinese Desert cat, Jungle cat, Sand Cat.