Marbled Cat

05.03.2025

Marbled Cat

Why in the news?                        

The elusive marbled cats have been recently spotted through camera traps at Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam's Tinsukia district.

About Marbled Cat:

• The marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) is a small wild cat species that is native to South and Southeast Asia.
• It is believed to be closely related to the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the bay cat (Catopuma badia).

Distribution of the Cat:

• This species is found in several countries in the region, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos.
• In India, it is primarily found in the forests of Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Features of the Cat:

• It is a small wild cat species that has a distinctive marbled pattern on its fur.
• The fur is brown or gray with black spots and stripes, which help the cats blend into its forest environment.
• Males are typically larger than females, with males weighing between 4.5 and 9 kg, while females weigh between 2.5 and 5 kg.
• It is known to be excellent climbers and is capable of leaping great distance between trees.
• The species is territorial and marks its territory with urine and scent marking.
• It is a solitary animal that spends most of the time alone.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

                                                                Source: The Times of India

Consider the following statements regarding Marbled Cat:

1. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India.

2. It is classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D