Origin:
The African wildcat (Felis aurata) is a small cat species found in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in areas of West and Central Africa. This species prefers forested, dense, and tropical areas, but can also be found on the edges of savannas and in places with plenty of cover.

Specifics:
Appearance: The African wildcat has a similar appearance to the domestic cat, but is somewhat more robust and ferocious. Its fur is usually short, sandy brown to gray, with fine spots or stripes that help in its camouflage. It has a long tail with dark stripes.
Size: The body length of an adult individual ranges from 40 to 55 cm, with a tail length of about 25–35 cm. Weight is usually between 2.5 and 6 kg.
Behavior: The African wildcat is largely solitary, but is also known for its nocturnal behavior. It is an excellent hunter and feeds mainly on small animals such as rodents, birds, reptiles, and sometimes insects.

Interesting facts:
Nocturnal activity: This species is mainly nocturnal and hunts at night, when it is most active. In the morning and afternoon, it often hides in thickets or burrows, where it rests.
A skilled hunter in hiding: The African wildcat is very quiet and inconspicuous, which allows it to hunt with high precision and avoid predators.
A good jumper: It is very skilled at climbing trees and can quickly jump into the crowns of trees to hide or avoid danger.
Solitary life: This species is very independent and does not seek the company of other cats. Males and females only meet during the mating season.
Occurrence:
The African wildcat is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, in areas such as Cameroon, Congo, the Central African Republic, Gabon, Tanzania and Kenya. This species prefers dense forests, tropical rainforests, and savanna edges where there is ample cover and food.

Conservation and Hunting:
The African wildcat is protected in many regions, but its populations face threats due to habitat stratification and hunting. The species often comes into contact with domestic cats and may be at risk from diseases that are transmitted between the two species. It is difficult to determine the exact population status because this species is very secretive and lives in dense areas that are difficult to access for observation.