Study reveals jungle cats need agro-pastoral habitats outside protected areas for conservation
A new study highlights that jungle cats (Felis chaus), despite being widespread, are understudied and need conservation attention. They prefer agro-pastoral and open habitats, avoiding dense forests, and their populations are shrinking. The study, based on extensive camera-trap records, estimates India's jungle cat population at over 3 lakh, with Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha having the largest numbers. Threats include human pressure, fragmented habitats, speeding vehicles, poaching, and potential hybridisation with domestic cats. Researchers emphasize the importance of land policies recognizing the ecological value of open ecosystems and planning wildlife passageways in agro-pastoral areas.
Key Points
- Jungle cats (Felis chaus) are understudied and their populations are shrinking, despite being widespread across diverse habitats in Asia, including India.
- The study found that jungle cats prefer agro-pastoral and open habitats, where they help control rodent populations, rather than dense forests.
- Major threats to jungle cats include human pressure, habitat fragmentation, road accidents, poaching, and potential hybridisation with domestic cats.
- Conservation efforts need to focus on land policies that recognize the ecological value of open ecosystems and integrate wildlife passageways in agro-pastoral landscapes.
Exam Facts
- Jungle cats are listed as 'least concern' on the IUCN Red List.
- They are protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
- The study estimates India's jungle cat population at over 3 lakh individuals.
- Researchers involved include Kathan Bandyopadhyay (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and Yadvendradev Jhala (National Centre for Biological Sciences).
- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha are estimated to support the largest populations.
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