Vietnam Becomes the Studbook Keeper for Southeast Asia's Fire Cat Population

Vietnam Becomes the Studbook Keeper for Southeast Asia’s Fire Cat Population?

At the recent workshop on “In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation of the Asian Golden Cat”, held at Khao Kheow Zoo, Thailand, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens was elected by Southeast Asian countries as the studbook keeper for the Asian golden cat population in the region.

According to Mr. Pham Anh Dung, Deputy Team Leader of the Animal Division at Saigon Zoo, being selected as the studbook keeper means Vietnam will oversee the records, monitor, and manage the population of Asian golden cats, and coordinate the exchange activities of this species in zoos across Southeast Asia.

The Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) is native to Southeast Asia and is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Vietnam’s Red Data Book.

Breeding and reproduction of this wild animal in captivity are particularly challenging. However, at Saigon Zoo, four Asian golden cats have been successfully born and raised in captivity. Thanks to this success, Saigon Zoo is recognized as one of the world’s top 10 zoos for successfully breeding the Asian golden cat.