For the letter “I” I would like to introduce you to one of the rarest cats in the world. They live on a tiny Japanese Island which has been overrun with tourism, and the Iriomote cat is one of the attractions. A fatal attraction, unfortunately. It seems that most of the cats that die are hit by cars.
In Japanese it is called 西表山猫 Iriomote-yamaneko.
The Iriomote cat is a dark colored feline about the same size as a domestic cat. They live in wet lowlands and they like to fish. The recent popularity of the cat gives me hope. Here is a video of one that was hunting near a roadway. Hopefully he learned to stay away from cars.
and YOU can help:
Please call the Ministry of the Environment or send them an email (Tel.：03-3581-3351 https://www.env.go.jp/en/moemail/ ) requesting them to buy this land so the Iriomote cat can continue to exist here. Tell them that measures should be taken to protect these cats, like lower speed limits and wildlife tunnels
The habitat of the Iriomote cat is in danger of being annihilated on Iriomote Island which only has around 284 square kilometers. The Iriomote cat has nowhere else to go and its population is only 100 individuals.
Please also send this message to land trust organizations or NPOs
(e.g. http://www.jtef.jp/english/contactus.html )!!
They could also help purchase the land.
This small 4″ x 6″ painting is for sale, $75.00 and all proceeds will go to small wildcat conservation.
9 responses to “Iriomote Cat – Critically Endangered”
What a sad fate for this precious cat if we don’t get involved. Thank you for sharing, Mimi, especially the video. It really hit home.
I did not know any of this. Thank you for spreading the word!
I am trying to read all the A to Z blogs, but coming back to the ones I really like.
Looking forward to seeing what you do all month!
Tim
The Other Side
The Freedom of Nonbelief
Only 100 left? Such a small number in such a tight space–it does not bode well.
You certainly have a gift for portraying cats. I hope the situation improves, 100 is a scarily low number for any animal.
Thanks for bringing my attention to this; it’s so sad that they’re endangered.
And since I’m a new visitor to your blog, I’ve been looking at your previous A-Z posts–your watercolors are absolutely beautiful!
The Golden Eagle
The Eagle’s Aerial Perspective
Oh, what an adorable little thing. I, too, hope it learns to avoid cars.
Love the painting. Perhaps I’ll get a raise this year (haven’t had one in almost four!)…
Pearl
You have a wonderful talent! I wish I could do water color but I always end up with mud instead! I love Acrylics though. Thanks for sharing
Your paintings are beautiful. You have such talent! Animals seem to be a favorite Thank you for visiting my “Ice” post. Nice to meet you.
Kathy at Oak Lawn Images
Sweet painting of a sweet cat, Mimi. I couldn’t view the video, but got the sense of urgency you are portaying for this special one.