Scottish zoo welcomes birth of one of world's smallest cats

There are estimated to be less than 10,000 of the species left on earth.

Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian welcomes birth of rare rusty-spotted cat Five Sisters Zoo

One of the world’s smallest cats has been born at a West Lothian zoo in what is believed to be a Scottish first.

A rusty-spotted cat kitten was born at Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder four weeks ago to first time mum Nainika, it was announced.

Rusty-spotted cats are one of the smallest cat species on earth with newborns weighing between just 60-77g.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has determined the species as “near threatened” as it is fragmented and affected by loss and destruction of its prime habitat, deciduous forests.

The population of the rusty-spotted cat, which is native to India and Sri Lanka, is estimated to be below 10,000.

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