Nine Cat Species Face Extinction Threat in India’s Tiger Reserves
A groundbreaking study, the first of its kind in India, has revealed a grim reality for nine small cat species residing within the nation’s tiger reserves. Poaching, habitat fragmentation, and the illegal wildlife trade are the primary threats identified.
The study highlights a concerning decline in populations, particularly impacting the rusty-spotted cat, the smallest cat species in the world. Even widespread species like the jungle cat are showing worrying population decreases.
North-Eastern India’s forests, crucial habitats for several elusive species, are facing severe pressures. This underscores the interconnectedness of conservation efforts across the country.
Human activities, including deforestation and encroachment, are significantly contributing to habitat loss, pushing these vulnerable felines closer to the brink.
The findings demand immediate and comprehensive conservation strategies. Failure to act decisively will not only impact these magnificent creatures but could also destabilize the delicate ecological balance of India’s precious tiger reserves, impacting biodiversity and potentially even human livelihoods.
