Context

 Recently, A leopard cat has been spotted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve for the first time.

• This is the first record of the leopard cat from central India.
• The presence of the species at the reserve was found through camera trapping.

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Leopard Cat

• Taxonomy: 
  • Scientific Name “Prionailurus Bengalensis” 
  • A member of the Felidae family,
• Features: 
  • It is known for its leopard-like colouration
    • However, they don’t have rosettes like leopards, instead they have solid black spots or patches throughout the body.
  • It is nocturnal & solitary Carnivores which control Rodent Populations.
  • Breeding: 
    • It has litters of 2 to 4 kittens and the gestation period can vary from 65 to 70 days.
    • The Asian Leopard Cat is often mated with domestic cats to produce hybrid offspring known as the Bengal cat.
• Habitat: They are abundant in wetter areas that receive more rainfall especially near water sources,  tropical forest, semi-desert, and agricultural regions, and may be found at heights up to 3000 m.
• Geographical Distribution: 
  • World : Indonesia, Philippines, Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, China,Taiwan,Korea, India, Pakistan and the Russian Far East.
  • India : It is restricted to North East India, northern Himalayan states, West Bengal, Odisha, and pockets of Western Ghats. 
    • It was previously thought to be absent in central India.
    • It holds the status of being the second most prevalent felid species in India after the jungle cat.
• IUCN: Least Concern

Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR)

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) derives its name from the River Pench, dividing the reserve into almost two equal halves. 

• It spans across two states – Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 
  • The reserve is connected to the Melghat Tiger Reserve to the west, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve to the southeast, Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) to the north, and Kanha Tiger Reserve (MP) to the northeast.
  • It was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2007 under section 38(V) of Wildlife (Protection) act 1972.
  • Totladoh Reservoir built on the Pench River plays an important role in enriching and sustaining the wildlife in the tiger reserve.
• Flora: It supports many Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking deer, Chousingha, Chinkara and Wild boar.
  • • Key predators include Tigers, leopards, Wild dogs and wolves. 
• Fauna: The Pench National Park consists of dry deciduous forests and flora including species of Mahua Tree, Palash Tree, Teak Tree, etc.

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