Assam– Scientists have confirmed the return of the Asiatic golden cat to Manas National Park, a significant conservation breakthrough following years of uncertainty surrounding this elusive species. The cat was recently captured on camera traps, marking the first documented evidence of its presence in the park since a direct sighting in 2007.
The breakthrough was achieved through a series of photographic captures recorded in December 2019 and January 2021, following an eight-year period of unsuccessful monitoring that included nearly 40,000 trap days from 2011 to 2018. The findings, detailed in the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group’s publication ‘CATNews’ for summer 2024, highlight the species’ return after a prolonged absence, coinciding with the end of ethnopolitical conflict in the region.
Dr. M Firoz Ahmed, the lead author of the research paper, stated, “These photographic captures reconfirm the cat’s presence in the park.” The research was conducted by a collaborative team from the **Assam Forest Department, Aaranyak Conservation Organisation, and Panthera.
The Asiatic golden cat, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, inhabits a wide range of environments, from sea level to elevations of up to 3,738 meters. This medium-sized wild cat is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act and has a broad distribution across northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and southern China.
In Northeast India, the Asiatic golden cat has been documented in several protected areas, including tiger reserves in Arunachal Pradesh, wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya, and various national parks throughout the region. The cat is also known to inhabit protected areas in neighboring Bhutan.
This confirmation not only showcases the resilience of wildlife in the region but also emphasizes the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect and preserve such vulnerable species.
Read More: Manipur Chief Minister Highlights Transformative Developments in Senapati District