Asian Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii: This medium-sized cat obtained its name from its primarily golden brown pelage, although animals with pelages that range to greyish brown are also found. It is apparently sparsely distributed throughout Thailand. Local villagers report the animal as still occasionally present in Pang Soong. There are some traditional beliefs associated with this animal, such as burning its hair or carrying its hair around, will keep Tigers away. There is even an anecdotal report that says all wild animals will deter from attacking a person that eat this animal when it is cooked whole (fur and all!).

Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus: As the name suggests, this medium-sized cat is an expert at fishing, usually by crouching on rocks in streams or on ledges overhanging riverbanks, and scooping fish onto the bank with a blow of its paw. Besides fish, the fishing cat’s diet includes molluscs, crabs, rodents and birds. Its distribution in Thailand apparently does not include the country’s southern region, and the animal is closely associated with riverine habitats. At Pang Soong, the fishing cat can occasionally be seen in the night, close to the road between the resort and Mae Lai village, and there are infrequent reports of this cat stealing chickens from the village.

Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis: A small-sized cat similar in appearance to the Leopard Panthera pardus, hence its name, it is the only common wild cat species in Thailand. It is able occupy a wide range of habitats including those altered by humans, and are often found close to human settlements. Their diet usually includes rodents, birds, lizards and amphibians. At Pang Soong, the leopard cat is quite often spotted at night along the road between the resort and Mai Lai village, and along the “Historical Trail”. Similarly, the leopard cat steals chickens from the villages.

Civets: This group of mammals is similar to cats in appearance, with the basic difference being their tapered heads, shorter legs and smaller ears. Most civets are omnivorous, feeding on small animals and fruits, while others are mainly carnivorous or mainly insectivorous. Civets are sometimes maintained in captivity for a substance, also known as “civet”, one of the four principal animal perfumes. This substance is secreted from their anal glands into a sac under the tail. However, civets use it to mark their territories. In Thailand, except for a few civet species, most are found throughout most parts of the country, occupying a diverse range of habitats, from dense forests to rural human habitats. Based on descriptions provided by the local human inhabitants, there are three, possibly four species of civets in Pang Soong. The three reported species comprise the Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica, the Large Indian Civet Viverra zibetha and the Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, and all three can be often spotted in the night along the road between the resort and Mae Lai village. Civets in this area not infrequently steal the villagers’ chickens.