In the past, most of the farmers often spotted leopard cats. Some of the locals went so far as to hunt them down regularly. Consequently, leopard cats fell into the category of endangered species on our planet.
The technical developments and constructions of the modern era cut and divided the natural habitat of the leopard cats. That directly impacts the overall population of the leopard cats since it also leads to a decrease of other species in that area, which are the natural prey of the leopard cats. As a result, the leopard cats are forced to wander long distances to find enough food. However, due to too many artificial facilities and other life-threatening obstacles, the leopard cats need to face an increasing number of dangers on their way.
If we are hungry, we can always cook and enjoy the tasty Leopard Cat Rice, but what are the leopard cats supposed to eat? As an apex predator in the food chain, leopard cats maintain the balance and diversity of the ecosystem. Leopard cats usually live in shallow hills and mainly feed on rodents (39%) and birds (26%), as well as other small mammals (18%), insects (10%), and reptiles (6%). In the mountain area of Miaoli, the distance between people and leopard cats is rather close. However, they do not cherish each other despite their closeness. There has always been a conflict going on!
According to a survey, at least 20-50 leopard cats are killed every year by farmers in Miaoli as an act of revenge for preying on their livestock. This is even more than the aggregated number of leopard cats that get killed on the roads throughout Taiwan every year! If they fall victim to a car accident, the leopard cats are more likely to be found and their death will be reported. In comparison, leopard cats that are victims of a hunt will die quietly in the mountains. Many of them are mother leopard cats which put their life at risk for feeding their little leopard kittens.
Fengshuwo Leopard Cat Rice was launched in 2014. We are committed to farming methods without pesticides and fertilizers to boost the recolonisation of different species in their natural, former habitats. At the same time, leopard cats became a huge support for rice farmers by catching and feeding on voles and birds in the fields, which allows the crops to grow well. The farmers realized that eco-friendly cooperation with the leopard cats does have a lot of benefits. The leopard cats are no longer treated as black sheep harming their chickens and ducks but can increase their income! Furthermore, by joining the Leopard Cat Rice brand, farmers will be financially compensated for the loss of poultry when attacked by leopard cats. This fund will help strengthen the bond between farmers and leopard cats by reducing the financial risks for farmers.
The chicken coop fence is indeed a good way to solve the conflict between humans and leopard cats, allowing the leopard cats to live peacefully in the shallow Miaoli mountains. We invite everyone to support us and work with us on continuing this project. Have a taste of our Leopard Cat Rice, which is rich in the aroma of taro, and help us build a sustainable home for the leopard cats!
