Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades

The domestic cat-sized feline with its distinctive round and close-set eyes was last spotted in a documented sighting in Thailand in 1995.

But an ecological survey that began last year, using camera traps in southern Thailand’s Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary, documented 29 sightings, according to the country’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and wild cat conservation organisation Panthera.

“The rediscovery is exciting, yet concerning at the same time,” said veterinarian and researcher Kaset Sutasha of Kasetsart University, noting that habitat fragmentation has left the species increasingly “isolated”.

It is unclear exactly how many cats were photographed, as the species lacks the markings needed to tell them apart.

But the findings suggest a relatively high concentration of the species, said Panthera conservation programme manager Rattapan Pattanarangsan.