Rare Bornean Bay Cat Filmed for First Time in 30 Years

The Department of Wildlife and Forests of Sabah in Malaysia has released video footage showing a rare wild cat species on the island of Bornéo. These images mark the first sighting of the animal in over 30 years. The footage was captured in February and August 2024.

The bay cat is a threatened species and is considered one of the rarest felines in the world. The release of these images provides significant insight into the population and habitat of this elusive animal. The videos were made public on December 26, 2025.

Video footage published on Friday, December 26, by the Department of Wildlife and Forests of Sabah confirms the presence of the bay cat on the island of Bornéo. The images show the threatened wild cat species filmed earlier this year. This sighting is considered historic because it is the first time the animal has been seen in more than three decades.

The footage was captured in two separate instances during February and August 2024. The bay cat, also known as the Borneo bay cat, is endemic to the island and is rarely seen by humans. Its elusive nature makes it difficult to study, and these images offer a rare glimpse into its behavior and habitat.

The bay cat is listed as a threatened species, making this discovery vital for conservation efforts. The footage serves as evidence that the species is still present in the wild. Conservationists in Malaysia have been working to protect the biodiversity of Bornéo's rainforests.

The release of these images highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring programs. Camera traps are essential tools for documenting rare wildlife. The successful capture of these videos demonstrates the effectiveness of these technologies in tracking elusive animals.

The video footage was made public by the Department of Wildlife and Forests of Sabah on December 26. The department is responsible for managing wildlife and forest resources in the region. The release of the footage is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the unique fauna of Bornéo.

The videos show the bay cat in its natural habitat. The specific locations of the camera traps were not disclosed to protect the animals. The footage provides valuable data for researchers studying the distribution and behavior of the bay cat.

The bay cat is considered one of the rarest felines in the world. Its population is limited to the island of Bornéo. The sighting has attracted attention from the international community, including organizations like the UN, which关注 global biodiversity.

The discovery underscores the need for continued protection of natural habitats. The bay cat's survival depends on the preservation of the rainforests on Bornéo. The footage released by Malaysian officials serves as a reminder of the fragile ecosystems that exist in the region.