Geographic Range:
* Southeast Asia:
* Mainland Southeast Asia: Found in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of southern China (Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan Island).
* Island Southeast Asia: Present on the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Malay Peninsula.
Specific Habitats:
* Tropical and subtropical forests: They are primarily found in dense, evergreen rainforests, but can also live in monsoon forests, swamp forests, and secondary forests.
* Montane forests: Some populations inhabit mountainous regions, up to altitudes of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
* Mangrove forests: Certain populations live in mangrove ecosystems along coastal areas.
* Plantations: They may be found in areas with rubber, oil palm, or teak plantations, especially if these areas still retain some forest cover.
Key Factors:
* Availability of prey: They need sufficient prey, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and even small deer.
* Dense vegetation: The dense foliage provides cover and helps them hunt.
* Water sources: They need access to water for drinking and regulating body temperature.
Conservation Status:
The Asian golden cat is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.
Important Note: The exact distribution of the Asian golden cat is not fully known, and research is ongoing to map out their populations more accurately.