The African black-footed cat: a tiny bundle of energy
When I, an aspiring astronaut and tech enthusiast, had the privilege of looking down at Earth from space, I was awestruck. The view was breathtaking, and it made me contemplate the impact of human activity on our planet. As Mark Shuttleworth once pointed out, from space you can observe the sheer beauty of Earth, but also the scars we’ve left on its surface. We have altered the fabric of life, and it is evident from up there.
Like elephants, we possess an innate urge to reshape our surroundings. Throughout history, we have transformed forests into sprawling grasslands and paved the way for future generations. We have cultivated vast lands for farming and erected magnificent cities. However, these changes have taken a toll on the natural world, even affecting magnificent creatures such as elephants.
Animals are incredible creatures. They have adapted to new environments and found ways to coexist with humans. Some animals have even become our companions or sources of food. Others have retreated into shrinking wilderness areas. But there are a special few that have found a unique strategy for survival – they choose to remain hidden.
Just like us humans, many animals are active during the day and rest at night. However, some have embraced the darkness. They have become nocturnal and have developed remarkable adaptations to thrive in the dark. Their eyes have evolved to capture moonlight and see through the shadows with piercing clarity. One such creature is the stealthy leopard, a master of camouflage. It may have watched you from the shadows without you ever noticing. Another extraordinary creature is the African black-footed cat, a small but mighty predator that is like a furry explosion of energy.
African folklore would have you believe that the smallest feline in Africa is capable of ripping the jugular out of a giraffe. But that’s far from the truth. This small cat may be pint-sized, but it’s certainly not lacking in ferocity. In fact, it holds the highest kill rate among all felines in the world and has quite the attitude to match.
This tiny predator, with its striking leopard-spotted coat, can take down its prey at an astounding rate. On average, it catches one animal every 50 minutes, feasting on a variety of creatures including birds, reptiles, insects, and a whopping 3,000 rodents each year. Comparatively, lions, cheetahs, and leopards pale in comparison.
The cat in question is called Felis nigripes, but let’s stick with its more common name for now. It has a head size similar to that of your regular house cat, but it’s only about half the weight, coming in at one to two kilograms. If this cat were the size of a lion back in the days when humans dwelled in caves, I probably wouldn’t be here writing about it. It would’ve long gone extinct.
Let me tell you, this is definitely not a cat you want to mess with. According to Peter Comley and Salome Meyer, who studied them in Namibia, this black-footed cat is wild through and through. Even if it’s raised from a young age in captivity, it never loses its wildness. In fact, it might even attack its keeper or withdraw, growling. And let me tell ya, when it feels cornered, it becomes a whole different animal. It’ll spit, snarl, and pounce on its adversary, no matter how big it is.
Now, here’s the thing – this cat, no matter how small it may be, has a big appetite for danger. Alex Sliwa, one of the few experts who have studied these cats, discovered that they have no fear of biting and stinging prey. That means scorpions and snakes better watch out! This little warrior doesn’t shy away from jumping with its bared claws and fangs right into the face of a black-backed jackal, which is eight times its size. And get this – it even hunts springbok lambs and goes after blue cranes, which are even bigger birds. Talk about having some serious determination!
I tracked a cat that I named Aris in the Kalahari. I watched as it hunted with incredible skill. Every muscle in its small, wiry body tensed as it closed in on its prey. The cat’s tail swished violently, snake-like, as it approached a white-quilled bustard resting in the brick-red sand. I held my breath, observing the cat’s hunting behavior under the bright moonlight that bathed the arid landscape.
The bustard opened one eye cautiously. In that moment, it seemed like it might take off into the sky and let out its obnoxiously loud scream. But the cat was faster. It planted its tiny black feet firmly into the ground and leapt, grabbing hold of the bustard just as it tried to escape. The bird, nearly half the cat’s size, struggled for a few moments before the cat’s sharp teeth snapped its neck.
Did you know that the black-footed cat, which actually has furry black pads instead of black feet, has been given the new name of small-spotted cat? This interesting feline is native to the drier areas of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and western Zimbabwe, and it is one of the few carnivores that can be found throughout this vast region. One of the most remarkable things about this cat is its ability to survive without water, as it obtains all the moisture it needs from its food.
The black-footed cat is known as “miershooptier” in Afrikaans, which translates to “anthill tiger,” because it often nests and raises its kittens in hollowed-out termite mounds. With its exceptional hearing and big eyes that are perfectly adapted to low-light conditions, the cat can see just fine using starlight alone. At night, its sleek fur, decorated with bold black spots and rings on its legs, allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it nearly invisible to its prey.
Secrecy, hunting skills, and a wide range can’t guarantee that I’m safe. There are many threats I face out there. Farm dogs hunting in packs are one of them. They can be quite relentless, making it difficult for me to survive. And if that’s not enough, humans also pose a danger. They plow up my habitat, turning it into fields. This destroys the homes of rodents, birds, and insects, which are my source of food. Additionally, humans spray insecticides to control locusts, but it ends up killing many insects that I rely on. Sometimes, I even end up eating poisoned prey. It’s not a good situation for me.
That’s not all, though. I’m also in danger because my population is shrinking. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red Data List categorizes me as vulnerable to extinction. Can you believe it? There are fewer than 10,000 black-footed cats left in the wild. It’s a really small number.
Even in captivity, where I could be protected and bred for future reintroduction, my life is not easy. I can get bored and depressed being confined to a cage. It’s not a great environment for me. So you see, things are tough for me out there. I need help to survive and thrive.
Near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, I’ve heard of a place where something remarkable is happening. Richard and Marion Holmes, a couple of farmers, have devoted themselves to a courageous mission. They’ve established the Cat Conservation Trust and have actually managed to breed the elusive Felis nigripes, also known as the “atomic kitten.” Their goal is to send these special cats to zoo breeding programs or reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
It’s unlikely that you’ll ever come across this secretive feline during your travels in Southern Africa. However, if you happen to find yourself in the Cradock area, you’re in for a treat. Pay a visit to the Holmeses, and you’ll be warmly welcomed. They even have a lovely lodge and a bush camp where you can stay.
The Holmeses are doing something truly special. Their dedication to conservation and breeding these rare cats is truly inspiring. They are making a difference and ensuring the survival of a species that is so often hidden away and misunderstood. So if you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness this remarkable work firsthand. Visit the Holmeses, stay at their lodge, and see for yourself the magic that happens when humans and animals come together to protect and preserve our precious wildlife.