First photographic evidence of the Rusty-spotted Cat <Prionailurus rubiginosus> (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India
Abstract
The Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus, is the smallest cat species in the world and is endemic to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is classified as a Near Threatened species in the IUCN Red List. For the first time, we describe the presence of a Rusty-spotted cat using photographic evidence in Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India, where its presence was previously unknown. The documenting of this iconic feline provides an extra record that will aid in the subsequent evaluation of its status and distributional range, as well as consequences for conservation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Species Distribution and Climate Change
Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Threatened Taxa
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 28444–28446
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN