FOCUS SPECIES

Small Cat
Focus Species

Small wild cats play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by controlling pests and supporting biodiversity.

This project focuses on 11 of India’s 15 native species, linking their conservation with landscape restoration and broader big cat conservation efforts.

Clouded Leopard

Neofelis nebulosa

WPA, 1972: Schedule I   |   IUCN: Vulnerable

Overview: Medium-sized forest cat with cloud-shaped markings and a long, balancing tail.

Habitat & Range: Found in forests of Northeast India, up to 3,500 m elevation.

Behaviour: Solitary and mostly nocturnal; elusive and rarely seen.

Threats: Habitat loss and poaching.

Project Landscape: Pakke-Eaglenest

Fishing Cat

Prionailurus viverrinus

WPA, 1972: Schedule I  |  IUCN: Vulnerable

Overview: Stocky, semi-aquatic cat adapted for life around water.

Habitat & Range: Wetlands, mangroves, marshes and river systems across Asia.

Behaviour: Nocturnal and solitary; primarily feeds on fish but also birds, frogs and small mammals.

Threats: Wetland loss and habitat degradation.

Project Landscape: All Three Landscapes

Caracal

Caracal caracal

WPA, 1972: Schedule I  |  IUCN: Least Concern (Globally)

Overview: Sleek desert cat with long black ear tufts and sharp features.

Habitat & Range: Arid and semi-arid regions of north-western India.

Behaviour: Solitary and mostly nocturnal; agile hunter with excellent hearing and vision.

Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation; critically endangered within India.

Project Landscape: Ranthambore

Other Small Cat Species

Jungle Cat

(Felis chaus)
Adaptable and widespread, found across grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes.

Asiatic Wild Cat

(Felis lybica ornata)
A shy desert-dwelling cat adapted to arid scrublands and semi-desert habitats.

Rusty Spotted Cat

(Prionailurus rubiginosus)
One of the world’s smallest wild cats, inhabiting forests, scrublands, and rocky areas.

Leopard Cat

(Prionailurus bengalensis)
A nocturnal forest cat widely distributed across dense forests and hilly landscapes.

Marbled Cat

(Pardofelis marmorata) An elusive arboreal cat found in dense tropical and subtropical forests of Northeast India.

Asian Golden Cat

(Catopuma temminckii)
A powerful forest-dwelling cat inhabiting montane and evergreen forests across the Himalayas and Northeast India.