IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Soud, R.; Dey, N.K.; Mazumdar, K.J.; Ttalukdar, S.; Gogoi, L. | |
| Conservation priorities of lesser cats_ (Family: felides) _of Chirang Reserve Forest, Btad, Assam, India | |
| 2010 Tigerpaper (37): 20-22 | |
The present study aims to minimize the gaps of information on the diversity and conservation status of lesser cats in the Chirang Reserve Forest. In this study maximum efforts were directed at species inventory and threat records. Two techniques were used, derived from the existing wildlife survey techniques, but modified to suit the objectives of the study, i.e., i) Visual encounter surveys; and ii) strip transects. Data were collected in various ways. Besides transects and random survey in the potential sites, an open-ended questionnaire was also used to collect data from selected respondents. Intensive observation and discussions with groups of community people were also part of the data collection technique. The study recorded a fascinating collection of mammals including five species of lesser cats belonging to the family Felidae in the Chirang Reserve Forest of Western Assam. Besides the lesser cats, the large cat species viz. tiger (_Panthera tigris_) and leopard (_Panthera pardus_) were also recorded during the study period. Analyzing the threat records reported during the study, it can be stated that the habitat alteration due to logging and active hunting pressures are a major problem for the survival of the lesser cat species along with other mammals. In addition to hunting, the large scale habitat destruction due to logging and the extraction of other forest products is also a serious threat. Significant resources and well trained manpower is needed to be available with a clear mandate of wildlife conservation and implementation of wildlife laws by the legal mechanism in collaboration with the local communities. Presently, the Chirang Reserve Forest is under the jurisdiction of the recently formed BTAD council, which is working with the local communities and other non governmental organizations to promote the conservation initiative in the area, which may lead the Chirang Reserve Forest as a viable habitat for the existing lesser cat species. |
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