The International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada explains that the black-footed cat is currently endemic to only three countries in Southern Africa: Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The black-footed cat primarily inhabits desert, savana, and scrubland. More specifically, “[t]hey are found primarily in short to medium length grass plains, scrub desert, and sand plains, including the Kalahari and Karoo Deserts”(“Black- footed cat”). However, the black-footed cat tends to avoid rocky terrain and brushy country locations due to the prevalence of larger predators. Habitat The Black-Footed Cat About The felis nigripes, better known as the black-footed cat or small-spotted cat, is a declining felid species native to Africa. At first glance, one of its most prominent characteristics is its size, making it the smallest wild cat in Africa. Diet & Hunting The black-footed cat generally preys on rodents, soft-bodied insects, reptiles (i.e., snakes, geckos), arachnids, small birds, and other small mammals. Accordingly, [a]reas of grass with high rodent and bird densities are optimal habitat” (“Black-footed cat”). When hunting, the black-footed cat follows a “sit and wait” strategy along with slow stalking, and fast trotting to surprise prey. physical bio & Behavior Lifespan: 13 years Height: 1 - 2.5 kg (2.2 - 5.5 lbs) Length (w/o tail): 36 - 52 cm (14 - 20 in) Tail length: 12 - 20 cm (4.7 - 8 in) Weight: 1 - 2.5 kg (2.2 - 5.5 lbs) Vertical jump height: 1.4 meters Lateral jump height: 2 meters Note: “Despite its name, only the pads and underparts of the feet are black” (“Black- footed cat”). Black-footed cats are nocturnal, solitary and secretive creatures. During the day, they rest in densely-covered areas of unoccupied animal burrows. Despite their petite stature and docile appearance, the black-footed cat has a predation success rate of 60% and captures “more prey in a single night than a leopard does in six months” (Solly). This detail attests to their fierce nature.