A revised taxonomy of the Felidae

This comprehensive revision, produced by the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, synthesized morphological, molecular, and biogeographic evidence to propose a consistent, evidence-based classification of all cat species and subspecies. For the small wildcats it formalized changes including the recognition of separate mainland and Sunda clouded leopards, mainland and Sunda leopard cats, and distinct species within the tigrina or oncilla complex, while standardizing names and subspecies across the family. By providing an agreed taxonomic baseline, the work directly shapes how conservation status is assessed and managed, since species limits determine the units of protection. It is an essential reference for anyone working on small felids, resolving long-standing inconsistencies and guiding how the diversity within wide-ranging cats is recognized and conserved.