BEE B. ANG AND JOSEPH K. CHARLES
Distribution of the elusive Endangered flat-headed cat in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo
Camera trap surveys and observational records of the flat-headed cat Prionailurus planiceps in Brunei Darussalam over 10 years (2009–2019) were obtained from Forest
Reserves and Outside Forest Reserves.
They have revealed that of 36 examined sites (19) within Forest Reserves, (17 ) outside, the flat-headed cat was detected in 17 of them, with all these sites being aquatic habitats: peat swamps, forest streams, forest mosaic with swamps, salt licks and vicinity of lakes.
Future surveys are recommended in localities that showed non-detection with a minimum of 2,000 camera-trap nights but focused on aquatic habitats. The flat-headed cat was detected in 59 % of sites in Outside Forest Reserves as opposed to 37% in Forest Reserves, emphasizing the importance of aquatic habitats in the former. Local community perception of endangered cats as obtained from interviews revealed their lack of knowledge of these cats and their inclination to have flat-headed cat as a pet which need to be addressed in conservation educational programs.
Ecological and human threats arising from anthropogenic activities that could affect the survival of flat-headed cats include forest fires in peat swamps and draining for residential development, agricultural runoffs, fragmentation of aquatic habitats, clearing of river bank vegetation that act as corridors, road kills and poaching for pet trade. Some of the ecological threats that are being mitigated include raising the water table in previously drained peat swamps and attempts at peat swamp restoration.
Charles & Ang (2023) Flat-headed Cat in Brunei Darussalam Cat News 78
