Assam: Rare and elusive Asiatic Golden Cat makes a comeback in Manas National Park

The elusive Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) has returned to Assam's Manas National Park, which marks a major conservation breakthrough. After years of conservation efforts, and no spotting, the elusive cat was finally spotted, which indicates a significant rediscovery because there was doubt about the cat's existence in the park—since the last sighting occurred in 2007.

Recent photographic captures in December 2019 and January 2021 have put an end to an eight-year period of unsuccessful monitoring attempts, which had included nearly 40,000 camera trap days between 2011 and 2018.

The return of the Asiatic golden cat to Manas National Park is the result of a collaborative effort between the Assam Forest Department and conservationists from Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity research organisation in India, alongside other Indian conservationists. After years of ethnopolitical warfare that hindered its conservation efforts, the rediscovery is a victory for the region's conservation efforts.
Read more: 5 unique festivals worldwide honouring the dead – does India celebrate one too?

The discovery highlights the significance of continuing conservation efforts. Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed and Dr. Dipankar Lahkar of Aaranyak spearheaded the study, with assistance from Aprajita Singh, Dr. Ramie H. Begum, and Amal Chandra Sarmah, among other conservationists. This amazing proof of the Asiatic golden cat's return to Manas is a result of their continuous efforts.

The Asiatic golden cat is a wild cat of medium size that lives in parts of southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. Because of its adaptable nature, this species can thrive in a variety of environments, like sub-alpine forests and tropical rainforests, and even at an altitude of 3,738 above sea level. The Asiatic golden cat is protected by India's Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN despite its adaptability.

Read more: 10 easiest Schengen countries to secure your visa and explore Europe

As per the records, this species is found in a number of protected areas in Northeast India, like wildlife sanctuaries in Meghalaya and tiger reserves in Arunachal Pradesh. Experts are of the view that the Asiatic golden cat's survival in the area can be protected with sustained conservation efforts, as the recent rediscovery in Manas National Park proves this point.


According to the research paper's lead author, Dr. M. Firoz Ahmed, the rediscovery confirms that there is a cat in the park. This is fantastic news for environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts who would love to see the Asiatic golden cat in Manas. It is also a reminder of the value of saving endangered species and a sign of hope.