An infrared camera in China’s Sanjiangyuan region captured footage of Chinese mountain cats (Felis bieti) in a very unusual moment. This wild cat is one of the few unique species of wild cat that is rarely observed in the wild.
Mountain cats in China have long, dense hair that is grey or dark yellow in color. Two distinct horizontal stripes on the cheeks and black rings on the tail are the most noticeable features.
Pikas, small animals such as mice, and birds are their main sources of food. They inhabit altitudes of 2,800 to 4,000 meters in deserts, forest edges, mountain shrubs, and mountain meadows.
There are fewer than 10,000 Chinese mountain cats left in the wild, making them an endangered species.
Furthermore, poachers kill Chinese Mountain Cats for their fur and use it to produce accessories such as little seating furs, waistbands, and thick hats during the winter season, putting them at risk.
As a result, they are protected in China as class II wild animals.
In the video below, you can see the unique cat in action.
