Flat-headed cat once seen as ‘possibly extinct’ seen for first time in years

The endangered flat-headed cat, once thought to be “possibly extinct”, was recently rediscovered in southern Thailand for the first time in three decades. Considered “one of the rarest wild cats in the world,” the existence of this flat-headed cat has been confirmed by remote camera trap images.

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and Panthera Thailand, a global wild cat conservation organization, announced the rediscovery.

Remote cameras detected the flat-headed cat thirteen times in 2024 and sixteen times in 2025 in what was the largest ever study of the species, Panthera said. This is the first time we’ve seen him since 1995.

In one case, scientists recorded a flathead cat with her young, showing that breeding is underway in the area.

Why are flathead cats so hard to find?

Due to its small size, limited numbers and nocturnal behavior, scientists said the species had an “elusive nature” that made it “exceptionally difficult to observe.” Additionally, litters typically produce only one pup.

There are approximately 2,500 adult flat-headed cats in the world. It is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is considered “possibly extinct” in Thailand.

Athapol Charoenshunsa, director-general of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, called the cat sighting “a historic moment for Thailand and a powerful reflection of our long-standing commitment to conservation.” He attributed them to sustainable protection, strong scientific partnerships and community management.

“The resurgence of the flat-headed cat is a timely reminder that when we protect our natural heritage, we preserve wild habitats and the future of our country,” Charoenshunsa said in a statement.

What is the flathead cat?

The flat-headed cat gets its name from what scientists say is “a distinctive flattened forehead and elongated skull.” They are the smallest wild cats in Southeast Asia and typically weigh less than half that of typical domestic cats. They are thought to be closely related to leopard cats and fishing cats.

Even with its small size, the flathead cat’s webbed toes make it the apex predator of wetland and bog ecosystems. Flat-headed cats have been threatened by “human-induced habitat loss due to land conversion, fishing, agricultural encroachment, hunting, stream pollution, and the spread of disease from domestic animals,” according to Panthera.

To combat this, the DNP and Panthera are working to train park rangers to focus on camp raid tactics, writing arrest reports, and SMART patrol training. Additionally, local Muslim communities contribute to the conservation of the species by not hunting wildlife for consumption or trade, but instead relying on fishing and the collection of forest products.

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