A leopard cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus bengalensis, has been sighted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve, marking the first observation of this species in central India.
Identification and Habitat
- Leopard cat belongs to the family Felidae and is recognized for its leopard-like coloring.
- The species was detected through camera trapping, revealing its presence in the reserve.
- The cat was spotted near Narahar village in Pench, Nagpur district, within a seasonal stream.
Significance of Sighting
- This sighting marks the first record of the leopard cat in central India.
- It expands the knowledge of felid diversity in India, which constitutes a significant portion of global felid diversity.
Distribution and Conservation Implications
- Leopard cats are widely distributed in India, especially in North East India, northern Himalayan states, West Bengal, Odisha, and certain areas of the Western Ghats.
- Previous beliefs suggested the absence of leopard cats in central India, making this discovery significant.
- Studying the distribution of leopard cats is crucial for comprehensive conservation efforts.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the scientific name of the leopard cat?
- A) Prionailurus felis
- B) Prionailurus bengalensis
- C) Panthera pardus
- D) Felis catus
- Answer: B) Prionailurus bengalensis
- How was the presence of the leopard cat in Pench Tiger Reserve confirmed?
- A) Through direct sighting by forest officials
- B) By analyzing footprints found in the reserve
- C) Using camera trapping
- D) Through DNA analysis of scat samples
- Answer: C) Using camera trapping
- Where was the leopard cat spotted within Pench Tiger Reserve?
- A) Near a teak forest
- B) In a village
- C) Inside a seasonal stream
- D) Near the Pench river
- Answer: C) Inside a seasonal stream
- What percentage of global felid diversity does India’s felid population constitute?
- A) Less than 10%
- B) Approximately 20%
- C) Over 30%
- D) Over 40%
- Answer: D) Over 40%
- Which tiger reserves show corridor connectivity with Pench Tiger Reserve?
- A) Only Melghat Tiger Reserve
- B) Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve
- C) Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) and Kanha Tiger Reserve (MP)
- D) Melghat Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve (MP), and Kanha Tiger Reserve (MP)
- Answer: D) Melghat Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve (MP), and Kanha Tiger Reserve (MP)