In Hainan’s tropical rainforest, a young Hainan Leopard Cat steps into the rushing waters of a stream. This is the cub’s first solo foray away from the protection of its mother and into the unknown as it begins to learn how to survive on its own.

A young Hainan Leopard Cat. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

A Hainan Leopard Cat cub keeps an eye out for danger. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

The Hainan Leopard Cat, a small, carnivorous wildcat, is a national Class II protected species and an endemic, or unique, subspecies on the island.

A Hainan Leopard Cat cub drinks from a rainforest stream. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

A wriggling earthworm catches the cub’s attention, but this is not the cat’s ideal food. In the tropical rainforest, there are often both dangers and opportunities near water. The youngster cautiously sniffs the air to check for danger. Here, the cat senses, there are better hunting opportunities. Today, the cub plans to muster up the courage to cross the water on its own.

A young Hainan Leopard Cat hunts for prey. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

The movement has alarmed the local residents of the stream, but the cub continues its brave journey through the rushing water. Soon, it arrives on the other shore, marking a significant breakthrough on the young cat’s journey to independence. There is still another problem to be solved, however. The cub must capture its prey. It dives back in, searching carefully along the shore. The previous success has given it confidence.

A Hainan Leopard Cat cub hunts near the river. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

A Hainan Leopard Cat cub eats on the riverbank. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

Finally, the young Hainan Leopard Cat succeeds in capturing the prey it desires. This hunting trophy, earned through courage and dedication, is a powerful testament to the cub’s progress towards independence.

A young Hainan Leopard Cat hunts in the river. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

This is just one ordinary day in the long life of this little ‘big cat’. There are many more adventures and challenges waiting ahead, and every attempt and success marks another milestone on the journey.