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Lamichane, B.R.; Pant, G.; Dhakal, M.; Acharya, H.R.; Subedi, N.; Thapa, K.; Dahal, B.R.; Gurung, A.; Mishra, R.
Camera trap record of Asiatic wildcat from Chitwan,Nepal
2023 Cat News (77): 7-8
Asiatic wildcat_ Felis lybica ornata_ has never been recorded historically in Nepal except for the pelts in illegal market but its possible occurrence has been reported in recent years. Here, we present a camera trap picture resembling Asiatic wildcat phenotypically from forests connected to Chitwan National Park, Nepal obtained during the national tiger survey 2022. From a stack of 40,111 photographs of 35 mammal species obtained with an effort of 8,529 trap days in Chitwan National Park and adjoining forests, a single photograph of the cat was obtained from a location in the community-managed forest. The record of Asiatic wildcat on the camera trap opens a new avenue for wildcat conservation and research in Nepal. We presented the phenotypic evidence of the Asiatic wildcat and suggest for species confirmation through genetic methods. Conservation efforts targeting small cats should be prioritised for ensuring their long-term survival.
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