AFRICAN WILDCAT (Felis silvestris lybica) ©wysinger(?)
Location:
The African wildcat is found in Africa and in the Middle East, in a wide range of habitats: steppes, savannas and bushland
Status: Not Listed, Population size unknown
Facts:
- Felis silvestris lybica split off from the European wildcat about 173,000 years ago and from the Asian subspecies F. s. ornata and F. s. cafra about 131,000 years ago.
- About 10,000 years ago, some Felis silvestris lybica individuals were domesticated in the Middle East.head-body length is 45 to 75 cm (17.7 to 29.5 inches), the tail 20 to 38 cm (7.87 to 15 inches), and the weight ranges from 3 to 6.5 kg (6.61 to 14.3 lbs)
- The African wildcat is mainly active during the night and twilight.
- When confronted, the African wildcat raises its hair to make itself seem larger and intimidate its opponent.
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Wildcat
