Reconfirmation of the Asiatic Golden Cat in Manas
- Location: Manas National Park, Assam, India.
- Participants: Assam Forest Department, Aaranyak, and various conservationists from India.
- Species: Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii).
Characteristics of the Asiatic Golden Cat
- Size: Medium-sized felid.
- Distribution Range:
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- Northeastern Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China.
- Conservation Status:
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- Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
- Protected under Schedule-I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Habitat Range:
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- Dry deciduous forests, subtropical evergreen forests, tropical rainforests, temperate and sub-alpine forests.
- Altitudinal range: 0 m to 3,738 m.
Recorded Locations of the Species
- India:
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- Khanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (Sikkim), Buxa Tiger Reserve (North Bengal), Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary (Meghalaya), Dampha Tiger Reserve (Mizoram), Namdapha Tiger Reserve, and others.
- Bhutan: Recorded in multiple protected areas.
The reconfirmation of the Asiatic Golden Cat in Manas National Park underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect this rare and elusive species. Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, the Asiatic Golden Cat’s continued presence in the region highlights the success of conservation initiatives and the significance of protected areas like Manas.
