Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernMainland Leopard Cat at a glance
The Mainland Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is a mammal in the family Felidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Banten, Jambi. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Prionailurus bengalensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kucing kuwuk |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Felidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Banten, Jambi |
| Taxonomic group | Carnivora |
| GBIF records | 62 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
In this guide (13)
Important taxonomic note
The IUCN Cat Specialist Group separates the Sunda leopard cat (Prionailurus javanensis) from the mainland leopard cat (P. bengalensis). Indonesian GBIF records labelled P. bengalensis therefore cannot by themselves establish the animals’ identity. This profile awaits taxonomic and record-level reconciliation.
What is the Mainland Leopard Cat?
Mainland Leopard Cat refers to Prionailurus bengalensis, in the genus Prionailurus, family Felidae, and order Carnivora. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Mainland Leopard Cat?
Leopard-cat taxonomy has changed, separating some Sunda populations; Indonesian records under this name need checking against the Sunda leopard cat split.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Mainland Leopard Cat
Older mammal treatments covered some Sunda populations under a broad leopard-cat name. Following taxonomic splits, habitat and prey details from those sources must be tied to the populations studied.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Mainland Leopard Cat?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 62 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Banten, Jambi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Mainland Leopard Cat?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Mainland Leopard Cat with Asian Palm Civet, Plantain Squirrel, Javan Lutung. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Mainland Leopard Cat
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Prionailurus |
| Species | Prionailurus bengalensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Mainland Leopard Cat
What is the scientific name of the Mainland Leopard Cat?
The scientific name of the Mainland Leopard Cat is Prionailurus bengalensis, in the family Felidae and the order Carnivora. In Indonesian it is called Kucing kuwuk.
Where does the Mainland Leopard Cat live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Mainland Leopard Cat summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Banten, Jambi. That list is not a complete range map.
What is the scientific classification of the Mainland Leopard Cat?
Scientific classification of the Mainland Leopard Cat: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Carnivora, family Felidae, genus Prionailurus, species Prionailurus bengalensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Mainland Leopard Cat endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Mainland Leopard Cat is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Mainland Leopard Cat is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- IUCN Cat Specialist Group — Sunda Leopard Cat ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →