Jungle cat:
Recent studies revealed that Jungle cat’s populations are shrinking and suggested they need habitats outside protected areas.
- The Jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a medium-sized cat.
- Its name comes from the Caucasus Mountains, the place this cat was first discovered.
- Other names: Swamp Cat, Reed Cat
- It is long-legged and is the largest of the extant Felis species. Females tend to be smaller and lighter than males.
- It has a white muzzle, yellow irises, large ears ending in black tufts, and the sometimes faint striping on its long legs.
- These are found across diverse habitats, from grasslands and wetlands to deserts.
- They’re present across Asia, with large populations in India and Nepal.
- It is also found in Egypt, and throughout southwest Asia, southeast Asia, and Central Asia, extending its range as far as the south of China.
- It avoids dense forests and heavily-modified landscapes, preferring agro-pastoral and open habitats.
- It is not nocturnal and does much of its hunting in the early mornings and late afternoons.
- It is carnivorous creatures and mostly prey on rodents, lizards, frogs, snakes and livestock.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Least concern’.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule II
