貓科動物通常被認為是生態系統的一個重要健康指標。中國現存12種野生「貓」，是世界上野生貓科動物種類最豐富的國家之一。這12種野生「貓」分別是：虎、豹、雲豹、雪豹、（歐亞）猞猁、金貓、豹貓、兔猻、荒漠貓、亞洲野貓（草原斑貓）、雲貓和叢林貓。

Felines species are often considered as an important indicator of ecosystem health. China is home to 12 cat species, making it one of the countries in the world with the richest species of wild felines.These 12 species are: tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, snow leopards, lynxes, golden cats, leopard cats, Pallas's cats, desert cats, Asian wildcats, marbled cats, and jungle cats.

最神秘的貓：荒漠貓

The most mysterious felidae

中國特有的荒漠貓，被稱為最神秘的「貓」之一，直到1992年才正式定名，2007年才拍到第一張野外照片，目前只分布在青海西部和四川北部。虎是體型最大的貓科動物，其體重可達300公斤以上。而體型最小的貓科動物兔猻，體重只有2-3公斤。

無論體型大小，作為捕食者的貓科動物，對維持生態系統平衡都發揮關鍵作用。中國的12種野生「貓」中，虎、豹、金貓、雲豹、雪豹、荒漠貓、叢林貓被列為國家一級保護動物，其餘為二級保護動物。

As the only endemic species of cat in China, the desert cat is considered one of China's most mysterious felines.

It was not officially named until 1992, and the first wild photo of it was taken in 2007. It is currently only distributed in western Qinghai Province and northern Sichuan Province.

Tigers are the largest in size, which can weigh more than 300kg, while the smallest are Pallas's cats, weighing about 2-3kg.

Despite the size difference, all cats are good hunters and play a key role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Among 12 species of wild cats in China, tigers, leopards, golden cats, clouded leopards, snow leopards, desert cats and jungle cats are under first class state protection, while the other 5 species are under second class protection.

設立東北虎豹國家公園

Conservation of wild cats

過去幾十年來，中國一直致力於保育野生貓科動物，包括停止森林砍伐、修復棲息地環境、設立國家公園、自然保護區等。2017年，國家試點設立東北虎豹國家公園。2017年至2021年期間，公園開展反盜獵巡護逾4.6萬次。到2024年，公園裏的東北虎、東北豹種群數量，分別由2017年的27隻、42隻增加至70隻、80隻。此外，中國雪豹種群數量也恢復到了1,200多隻，保育卓見成效。

Over the past few decades, China has been committed to the conservation of wild cats, including halting deforestation, restoring habitat environments, and establishing national parks and nature reserves. By 2024, the number of Siberian tigers has increased from 27 in 2017 to about 70, with the number of Northeast leopards increasing from around 42 six years ago to about 70. The snow leopard population in China has rebounded to over 1,200. Remarkable achievements have been made in biodiversity conservation.

●郭立新

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