Asiatic Golden Cat Returns to Manas National Park, Assam after 8 years

The Asiatic Golden Cat, a rare species, last sighted in 2007 at Manas National Park, Assam has made a comeback.

In a significant development for wildlife conservation, the elusive Asiatic Golden Cat has been sighted again in Manas National Park, Assam ending an eight-year monitoring drought. Known for its secretive behavior and dwindling population, the rare feline’s reappearance marks an encouraging sign for biodiversity preservation efforts in the region.

Forest officials recently confirmed the presence of the Asiatic Golden Cat through camera trap footage collected in the dense forests of the park. This is particularly exciting as the species, scientifically known as Catopuma temminckii, has been classified as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and was last sighted in the year 2007. The golden cat is usually found in the forests of Southeast Asia, and its return to Manas reflects the park’s improving ecosystem health.

The Asiatic Golden Cat is a medium-sized wild feline native to southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. Renowned for its adaptability, this species thrives across diverse habitats, including sub-alpine forests and tropical rainforests, and can be found at elevations as high as 3,738 meters above sea level. As a solitary and nocturnal predator, the cat preys on small mammals and birds, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance.

The return of the Asiatic golden cat to Manas National Park after years of conservation efforts is the result of a collaborative effort between Assam Forest Department, conservationists from Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity research organization in India, alongside other Indian conservationists.

Wildlife enthusiasts and experts are optimistic that the reappearance of the Asiatic Golden Cat signals further ecological recovery. Authorities are working to monitor its movements and ensure the species' long-term survival through continued protection and community engagement efforts. The sighting rekindles hope for more discoveries, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives in Assam’s rich natural landscape.