Rajni Pandey | October 24, 2024
The elusive Asiatic golden cat was recently spotted in Manas National Park, the first sighting since 2007, marking a huge win for conservation efforts.
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Despite over 40,000 camera trap days between 2011 and 2018, the golden cat remained unseen until it was finally photographed in late 2019 and early 2021.
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This rediscovery, led by Aaranyak and the Assam Forest Department, signals a major breakthrough in efforts to protect and monitor this rare species.
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Asiatic golden cats are known for their ability to blend into diverse habitats, from dense tropical rainforests to high-altitude forests at 3,738 meters above sea level.
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These cats come in a range of colors—reddish-brown, golden, gray, and black—making them one of the most visually diverse wild cat species in the world.
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Known for their stealth, Asiatic golden cats are rarely seen in the wild, making sightings extremely special for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
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Despite being protected by India’s Wildlife Protection Act, this cat is still classified as Near Threatened, highlighting the need for continuous conservation.
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Asiatic golden cats feed on a variety of prey, from birds and small mammals to larger animals like deer, demonstrating their versatile hunting skills.
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While recently rediscovered in Manas, this species is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia and Northeast India, including Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
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