10 x 10 inch oil on muslin panel.
Unframed.
Series: Off the Grid 2023
 
Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) :
The rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest wild cats in Asia and is often considered a contender for the title of the world's smallest wild cat, along with the black-footed cat (Felis nigripes). Here are some key characteristics and information about the rusty-spotted cat:
Appearance: The rusty-spotted cat has short reddish-grey fur over most of its body, and it features rusty spots on its back and flanks. It has distinct blackish lines running over its eyes, with two of these lines extending over its neck. The cat also has six dark streaks on each side of its head, which extend over the cheeks and forehead. Its chin, throat, inner side of the limbs, and belly are whitish with tiny brownish spots. There's a rusty band on its chest. Its paws and tail are uniformly reddish-grey.
Size: The rusty-spotted cat is extremely small, with a body length ranging from 35 to 48 centimeters (14 to 19 inches). Its tail is relatively long in proportion to its body, measuring between 15 to 30 centimeters (5.9 to 11.8 inches). This makes the tail about half the length of the body.
Weight: These cats are lightweight, with individuals typically weighing only 0.9 to 1.6 kilograms (2.0 to 3.5 pounds). This small size is one of the reasons they are considered among the world's smallest wild cats.
Habitat: Rusty-spotted cats are primarily found in India and Sri Lanka. They inhabit a variety of environments, including grasslands, forests, and scrubland.
Behavior: Not much is known about the behavior of rusty-spotted cats in the wild due to their elusive nature. They are thought to be solitary and primarily nocturnal, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.
Conservation Status: The rusty-spotted cat is listed as "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. They face threats from habitat loss, primarily due to deforestation and human encroachment, as well as potential threats from hunting and the illegal wildlife trade.
Due to their small size and elusive nature, these cats are not frequently seen in the wild, making them a lesser-known and less-studied species among the world's wild cats.