Source: TOI

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Context :

Recently, A camera trap installed in Dehing Patkai National Park has captured a rare marbled cat. Marbled cats are scientifically known as Pardofelis marmorata. And they are a small species of wild cat found in Southeast Asia. 

About the Marbled Cat:

• Scientific Name: Pardofelis marmorata
• Common Name: Marbled Cat
• Family: Felidae
• The Indian marbled cat is also known simply as the marbled cat.
• It is a small wild cat species native to South and Southeast Asia.
• It is closely related to the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) & the bay cat (Catopuma badia).

Marbled Cat Distribution

• This species is found in several countries : India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, & Laos.
• In India, marbled cats are mostly found in the forests of Northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, & Nagaland).

Features of the Marbled Cat

• Size & Appearance:
  • • The marbled cat's coat pattern is brown or grey, with black spots and stripes.
    • This helps it to blend well with its forest surroundings.
    • Males are generally larger and weigh between 4.5 & 9 kg, while females weigh between 2.5 & 5 kg.
• Climbing Ability : Marbled cats are excellent climbers, and they are able to leap from tree to tree with ease.
• Behaviour:
  • • They are territorial & mark their areas using urine & scent marking.
    • These cats are solitary animals. It means they spend most of their time alone.

Conservation Status

• The marbled cat is classified as 'near threatened' under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• The species is threatened by habitat loss & poaching. So conservation efforts are necessary.

Source: TOI