Mongabay · Climate & nature

Thailand's Leopard Cat Rescue Center Prepares Cubs for Release

A wildlife rescue center in northeastern Thailand rehabilitates and releases dozens of leopard cat cubs annually. Rescue numbers have significantly increased since 2023, attributed to habitat loss, fires, and increased hotline use.

The center rehabilitates lost and injured leopard cat cubs. Older cubs practice climbing and hunting in specialized pens for two months before release.

Leopard cats face threats from hunting and habitat loss. They often live near farms, exposing them to dangers like illegal trade and agricultural fires.

Admissions rose to 40-65 cubs annually since 2023, up from about 10. This is linked to habitat fragmentation, increased fires, and public hotline use.

Many cubs are found in burned fields, often injured. The center's mortality rate decreased from 60% to 33%.

Rescued cubs are hand-fed and weaned. After rehabilitation, they undergo health checks and are microchipped.

During rehabilitation, cats practice hunting live prey and learn to distrust humans. Staff monitor them remotely.

The center releases cats into protected forests but lacks technology to track individual survival rates post-release.

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