In News:

• Rare marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata) were recently captured on camera traps in DehingPatkai National Park, located in Assam's Tinsukia district.
• This was part of a two-month biodiversity monitoring initiative launched in November 2024 by the Assam Forest Department in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Significance of the Sighting:

• 2–3 individuals were recorded, marking a significant discovery for biodiversity documentation in Northeast India.
• Assam's Forest Minister and conservationists hailed the event as a testament to successful conservation efforts and the rich biodiversity of DehingPatkai.

About the Marbled Cat:

• Scientific Name: Pardofelis marmorata
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT)
• Habitat: Dense tropical and subtropical forests; found at elevations up to 2,500 metres
• Distribution:
  • Countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos
  • In India: Found primarily in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland

Physical Features:

• Small wild cat with distinctive marbled-patterned fur (brown/grey with black stripes and spots)
• Excellent arboreal climber, capable of leaping between trees
• Males weigh 4.5–9 kg; females weigh 2.5–5 kg
• Solitary and territorial; marks territory with scent

Conservation Implications:

• The sighting underscores the ecological value of DehingPatkai, a critical habitat for many rare and threatened species.
• Experts stress the need for continued research, habitat preservation, and protection of Eastern Himalayan forests to ensure the survival of elusive species like the marbled cat.