M
alaysia's tropical rainforest is a complex and diverse ecosystem. One way in which this diversity shows itself is through a richness in plant and animal species. This richness of species is seen in the number of members of the cat family (Felidae), in our forests. Wildlife scientists have identified a total of eight species in Malaysia. Seven of these species have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia. They are the Tiger, Leopard ( panther ), Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, and the Golden Cat. The eighth species, the Bay Cat, however, is only found in Sabah and Sarawak along with four other species, namely the Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Flat-headed Cat and the Marbled Cat.
Like the majority of animal species in the rainforest, the wild felids are seldom observed, a fact compounded by their retiring cryptic and nocturnal behaviour. Moreover, beiong predators, the numbers would not be neumerous. Thu, it appear that, with one or two exceptions, the wild felids may be considered uncommon or even rare. They are thus considered threathened to the point of extinction and therefore all Felidae are proctected by law in Malaysia.
The four species illustrated on the Special Issue of Postage Stamps have been selected because they are relatively unknown. They are also strikingly handsome animals and are good examples of the diversity of, and different adaptations within the cat family.
Golden Cat(Felis temminckii)
The golden cat is a little known species with a head and body length of more than half a meter and weighing about 4 kg. The body of this species has a uniform tan of golden brown to dark brown. The face is strikingly marked with elegant pattern of dark and white stripes. The tail is relatively short for a small felid. The golden cat preys on sheeps, goats, deers,and small birds.
Flat Headed Cat(Felisoplaniceps)
The flat headed cat is small in size with a head and body length of less than half a meter and weighing about 2 kg. The species is unusual among the malaysian felids in that it has no body markings and has a tawny coat that is paler around the head and shoulders. The flatheaded cat is primarily a fish eater and thus it lives close to rivers and streams. It also feed upon frogs and rats.
Marbled Cat (Felis marmorata)
The marbled cat is small and beautiful but little known cat of the Malaysian forest. It has a head and body length of about half a meter with a tail that might be slightly longer. The marbled cat and the bay cat which are closely related and similar are the two truly arboreal members of hte genus Felis in this country. This species is extremely rare and appears to be confined to undisturbed rain forest.
Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a medium sized cat with a head and body length of about one meter and with a tail nearly as long. It weighs between 7kg and 12kg. It is the sole member of the genus Neofelis. It is one of the most beautifully marked of all cats in its color and pattern. It is solitary in its habits. The clouded leopard preys upon monkeys, domestic goats, mouse deers an ground dwelling birds.
Technical Details
Date of Issue : November 11, 1987
Denomination : 15¢, 20¢, 40¢, RM1.00
Stamp Size : 28mm x 38mm
Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process : Lithography
Printer : Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Sheet Composition : 100 stamps
Stamp Designer : Ong Soo Keat
1st Day Cover Designer : Kathy Wong
