There is a growing need for increased research funding to support animals in the Eastern Ghats, particularly the rusty spotted cat, according to recent studies. This diminutive wild feline, which is only half the size of its domesticated counterpart, coexists with tigers in the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh. However, while the tiger population is closely monitored, little is known about the current status of the rusty spotted cat. The fact that both species can be observed in the same sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to study both extremes of the feline spectrum. For this reason, gathering more information about this elusive species, which has been spotted in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, is of utmost importance. These concerns will be presented at the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders conference in Washington D.C.
Many wildlife experts have labeled the small Indian feline as the world’s tiniest cat species, although some dispute this claim and argue that the African black-footed cat fits the criteria better. The IUCN Red List currently lists it as “Near Threatened,” but its status is uncertain in the Eastern Ghats region, according to Murthy Kantimahanti, the founder of the Eastern Ghats Wild Life Society (EGWS). Despite being present in all of the Eastern Ghats forests, little research has been carried out on this elusive creature. Mr. Murthy has been invited to attend a conservation meeting in Washington D.C, where he intends to advocate for more extensive studies on various wildlife species in the Eastern Ghats. Watch this amazing video of the Rusty Spotted Cat!
The video can be traced back to its origin on the popular social media platform, YouTube.
