Rusty Spotted Cat:
For the first time in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and Haryana, a rusty-spotted cat has been photographed.
- Rusty Spotted Cat is the world’s smallest and lightest known cat
- Its large eyes may be an adaptation to its nocturnal behaviour.
- It prefers moist and dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky areas.
- It is found in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In India, its range extends from Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha.
- Characteristics:
- It is an excellent climber, which allows it to catch birds.
- It also preys on rodents, lizards, frogs and insects.
- Habitat loss, farm expansion, and industrial growth threaten nearly 75% of its range.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Near Threatened
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
