The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Rare rusty wildcat spotted near Tumkur

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Sunday, Dec 28, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rare rusty wildcat spotted near Tumkur

Staff Reporter

A file picture of the rusty spotted cat.

BANGALORE: A group of wildlife enthusiasts have sighted the rusty spotted cat, an endangered species, in the Devarayanadurga Reserve Forest near Tumkur.

Smallest

The cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) locally called as “kandachukke bekku” is the world’s smallest wildcat, measuring about 17 inches in length and weighing less than 1.5 kg.

It has grey fur dotted with rusty spots all over the back and flanks. The International Union for Conservation and Nature has placed this cat under the list of endangered species.

It is found in the moist and dry deciduous areas in south India and Sri Lanka.

This cat was spotted by wildlife conservationists Sanjay Gubbi, Yogeesh Aradhya and Ravindra T.B. in the forest on Friday.

“This is the second time that this cat has been sighted. Six months ago, a cat was spotted near the Chamundi Hills,” Mr. Gubbi said.

Mr. Gubbi said that this feline, like the rest of the wildcat family, faced the threat of extinction because of habitat loss and spread of cultivation.

This also includes the 42 sq. km. Devarayadurga forest, which is a habitat for wild animals such as leopard, sloth bear and jungle cat.

Mr. Gubbi has urged the Forest Department to take steps for protect the Devarayadurga forest.

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