Possible predation attempt by a marbled cat on a juvenile Phayre's leaf monkey

The marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) is arguably one of the least known Southeast Asian felids. Based mainly on indirect evidence, a nocturnal and predominantly arboreal lifestyle has been assumed while little is known about its diet. Here we report how a marbled cat injured a juvenile male Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus; 33 months old) at the neck and shoulder within the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. The event suggests that this small cat may prey on individuals with a body mass exceeding its own and confirms that it can be active during early morning hours indicating a crepuscular-diurnal activity. There are also first indications that individual differences in monkey behaviour such as preferred feeding height, could influence predation risk. © National University of Singapore.

Duke Scholars

Author Kerry Ossi-Lupo Environmental Sciences and Policy