Prionailurus rubiginosus was recorded in May 2026 for the first time in Uttar Pradesh’s National Chambal Sanctuary

Prionailurus rubiginosus was recorded in May 2026 for the first time in Uttar Pradesh’s National Chambal Sanctuary

¨     Prionailurus rubiginosus was recorded in May 2026 for the first time in Uttar Pradesh’s National Chambal Sanctuary.

¨     This sighting marks the first confirmed presence of the species in southern Uttar Pradesh.

¨     It adds a new location to the known distribution range of the species in the state.

¨     The rusty-spotted cat belongs to the Felidae family and is one of the smallest wild cats in Asia.

¨     It is identified by its rusty-brown spots, small body size, and short fur.

¨     The species is confirmed through comparison of morphological characteristics with published species descriptions.

¨     The National Chambal Sanctuary is a protected area located along the Chambal River across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

¨     It is known for its riverine ecosystem, including gharials, crocodiles, the Ganga river dolphin, and diverse bird species.

¨     The habitat also includes ravines and alluvial plains that support rich biodiversity.

¨     Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India documented the sighting during field surveys.

¨     The study involved photographing individuals, taking measurements, and recording GPS-based locations.

¨     The finding is considered significant for wildlife research and biodiversity documentation in the region.