When we think of safari and we think of cats, it is more often than not the lions, leopards and cheetahs that come to mind. Not often do we think of other possibilities we might see.
A cat which is far smaller than the above mentioned – is more elusive, seldom seen and gets everyone in the vehicle equally as excited – is the African wildcat.
A camera trap photo of a seldom-seen African Wild Cat.
But why does it excite us? It merely looks like a domestic house cat. The main difference is that these small felines are completely wild and have had no domestication or contact with domestic cats, in fact recent DNA research has identified five wild cat species as the closest group of ancestors to domestic cats; it’s believed that the African Wildcat is the wild ancestor that was first domesticated around 9000 years ago. Their habits are completely wild and they have a very similar social organisation and hunting methods to that of leopards. African wildcats are not often seen around Londolozi and when eyes reflect back at you while on night drive they may dart behind a bush to be out of sight.
One evening surprised us all when not only one but three sets of eyes reflected back at us from a nearby flattened termite mound. It was completely unexpected. The main difference between this and a standard Wild Cat sighting is how relaxed they all were. A mother and two kittens! Ethically one doesn’t want to expose the youngsters by the use of spotlight as it could potentially make them more easily visible and thus accessible to predation from larger predators, yet it was a situation that was hard to pass by and so we enjoyed it for a few brief minutes with minimal light usage before moving off.
Our first proper view of the two kittens.
By far the greatest number of wild cat sightings on Londolozi have been along 3 or adjoining roads to the south-east of camp, which is almost certain evidence that a pair has set up residence in that area.
It has only been in the last couple of years that wild cst sightings have been consistent, and it may well have something to do with drier conditions in the wake of the drought. There has certainly been an increase in rodent activity after dark, so increased prey availability might be making the area more appealing to them.
I’m hoping this won’t be the last sighting we have of these kittens (it feels odd using the word “kittens” instead of “cubs”), and if the adult pair remain in the area and prosper, we might be seeing quite a few more over the years…
It is always lovely and exciting to see an African wild cat. Even more so yen you see a family. One of my favourite cats to see, maybe it is that they are so similar to our domestic cats.
I just love cats in all shapes and sizes and was fortunate enough to see an African Wild Cat when I visited South Africa in 2004. I was even able to make a picture, although it wasn’t a very good one. Still treasure it though. I hope to see it again some day. Seeing kittens is even better. Thanks for these wonderful pictures. I also hope to see a serval and an caracal one day.
Fortunate to have 2 wild cat sightings last week–unfortunate not to have been able to take a photo!
Alex, I have never been blessed with an African Wildcat sighting, I hope I see one when we return in 2020
Hi Alex. If I had seen those kittens I would have definitely thought they are just little Tabby kittens – the same as we have had during our married life! Lovely pics. Wendy M
Cute
What a special sighting! Cuteness overload! Excellent pics!
That is a seriously good sighting, with fantastic, once in a lifetime photos. I think you have shown lions, leopards, a serval and now wildcats – ah the elusive caracal…
Great shots! This is just as exciting to me as a leopard or lion 🙂 love these Tiny little beings and it’s always been amazing to me that they can survive so well with their larger relatives hunting them.
Ever spot any Caracal or Civet at Londolozi?
Replying to Bob & Lucie: Yes, our group saw a civet last June (in 2018)
Undoubtedly, the most amazing images of these elusive cats. You must have been over the moon!!
They look so like the kittens of a friend. Is it possible they are descended from the same wild cats that were tamed in ancient Egypt!! Victoria
It is extremely difficult to think of lionesses being wusses!! Glad that the buffaloes are back to fighting strength and the lionesses are being cautious!! Victoria
It is great that such small cats live their on Londolosi.
These wildcats/kittens are certainly adorable. They remind me of a friend’s cat, but the wild cats have larger ears.
Unbelievable!!!