It may appear to be an unusually small, inquisitive little house tabby — but the black-footed cat is known as the deadliest feline in existence, rampaging across desert and savanna ecosystems and killing ten or more birds or rodents a night, thereby cleaning up carrion and regulating prey populations.
The elusive little creatures are also vanishing from the planet as habitat loss, illegal pet trades, climate change, and other human activity diminish their presence in their native arid regions of southern Africa.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, an accredited zoo and research center in Palm Desert with a focus on biodiversity and conservation, is caring for an estimated 14 percent of all of the 28 black-footed cats in zoos across the United States .
In order to try to increase their numbers, the zoo has run a black-footed cat breeding program since the early aughts in order to increase their population and maintain genetic diversity, However, animal handlers face complications with the cats and other desert carnivore species.
“Sand cats, black-footed cats, and fennec fox are vastly underrepresented in zoos,” said The Living Desert’s animal care curator Heather Down. “Reproduction in these species is inefficient and there is little known about their husbandry management to facilitate breeding.”
The zoo’s Desert Carnivore Conservation Center, affectionately called DC3, is a behind-the-scenes habitat and breeding center for small desert carnivores established in 2016 in order to help with human management of vulnerable populations such as Felis nigripes.
“The Living Desert is part of a collaborative effort between other scientists and accredited zoos on artificial insemination procedures of this species,” Down said.
In June, sperm was collected from a male black-footed cat at The Living Desert’s Wildlife Hospital, which was then used for a laparoscopic artificial insemination on one of The Living Desert’s female black-footed cats.
“This pair had a successful, natural birth about two years ago, but have been unable to reproduce naturally since then,” said Down.
“With a gestation period similar to domestic cats (about two months), The Living Desert is hopeful for a successful birth.”
Down said that the zoo hopes to be part of more collaborative efforts like these, and to help the public at large understand the importance of the world’s deserts and the work that must be done in order to conserve crucial habitats and biomes in a time characterized by a changing climate.
“By sharing insights gleaned from our endeavors, The Living Desert aims to inspire collective action and promote greater awareness of the importance of partnerships and thoughtful program management for preserving small carnivore species for future generations,” Down said.
