/Wolf & J.'Smit.cLel. éUith.
P B L I S B A D IA
FELIS BADIA.
TH E B O R N E A N R E D CAT.
FELIS BADIA, J. E. Gray, Proc. Zool. S og. (1874) p. 322, pi. 49.
IIa b . Sarawak, Borneo (W a l l a c e ).
T h i s species was described by Gray as above mentioned. It is a singular form to come from Borneo, being apparently
nearest allied to the F. eyra of Central and South America; and if the skin were not so well authenticated, it might be
supposed that an error had been made in the habitat. Mr. Gray says that Mr. Wallace, in 1856, sent to the British
Museum the skin of this Cat from Sarawak, together with its skull. Nothing whatever is known regarding the animal
beyond the single specimen mentioned above; and although so long a time has elapsed since it was obtained, no second
example, so far as I am aware, has been procured.
General colour bright chestnut, paler beneath. Lower side of the terminal portion of the tail white, the white
becoming wide and of a purer hue towards the tip, which has a black spot on the upper side. Ears blackish brown;
inside pale brown. Sides of upper lip pale brown. A white stripe on side of the nose before the eye, and another
under the eye. Two rather indistinct brown stripes across the cheeks. Chin, edge of lower jaw, and throat white.
Length from nose to root of tail about 20 inches; tail 14 inches. The skin is in such a mutilated state that it is
almost impossible to give correct measurements; but the above are not far out.
The skull of this species in the British Museum is incomplete, as the entire occipital region is missing. It has rather broad
nasals, which are pointed at their articulation with the frontal bone, and extend considerably beyond the processes of the
maxillas. There is also a considerable depression at the symphysis, forming a groove along their entire length. The processes
of the premaxillas are long, narrowing to a point, and reach nearly half the length of the nasals, separating them from
the maxillas. The infraorbital foramina are very large, round and open. Orbits incomplete. Brain-case very full and
broad, flat on top, without any indication, in the portion that remains, of a ridge or crest. The lower outline of the mandibular
ramus forms almost a compound curve, the angle being tbe lowest point, from which it rises to beneath the anterior
portion of the ascending ramus, then inclines downwards to beneath the second molar, whence it rises rapidly to the
symphysis. Auditory bulke large and oblong in shape. Canines only moderate in size; molar series more prominent.