First Leopard Cat Sighted at Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra
In a striking news, Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve has reported the sighting of an elusive leopard cat known scientifically as Prionailurus bengalensis. A senior forest official confirmed the sighting on Sunday.
This feline from the Felidae family is known for its striking resemblance to leopards in terms of body color.
According to Deputy Director Prabhu Nath Shukla, camera trapping allowed for the discovery of the leopard cat’s presence within the reserve. This sighting is significant because it is the first of its kind in Central India.
Shukla explained that a camera installed near Narahar village in Pench, Nagpur district, captured an image of the elusive feline inside a seasonal stream. This notable observation marks the first documentation of the leopard cat’s presence in central India.
He highlighted the biodiversity of felids in India, stating that the country is home to 15 species of wild cats, accounting for more than 40% of global felid diversity. The leopard cat, known for its adaptability, is India’s second most common felid species, trailing only the jungle cat. Its recent discovery in central India calls into question previous assumptions.
This groundbreaking discovery is expected to spark additional research into felid distribution patterns, which has previously received little attention. Understanding the distribution of wildlife is critical for developing comprehensive conservation strategies, highlighting the significance of such findings.
The Pench Tiger Reserve, located along the Pench River, covers 740 square kilometers of land and is dominated by teak trees. The reserve serves as a vital corridor connecting several tiger reserves in the region, including Melghat Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), and Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), allowing wildlife to move across landscapes.
About Pench Tiger Reserve
Pench Tiger Reserve is located in Maharashtra, India, and is named after the meandering Pench River that runs through it. Pench, known for its dense teak forests, is a vital habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and over 285 bird species. Aside from its natural beauty, Pench serves as an important wildlife corridor, connecting neighboring reserves and facilitating the movement of various fauna. Pench’s pristine landscapes and remarkable inhabitants make it a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and conservationists.
