Asiatic Golden Cat

Current Context : Recently, the Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii) was spotted in Assam’s Manas National Park.

About the Asiatic Golden Cat

• Habitat: Found in forests ranging from tropical/subtropical evergreen forests, mixed and dry deciduous forests and tropical rainforests.
• Native Range: Found in northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and China.
• Appearance: Fur color ranges from golden or reddish-brown to grey or dark brown. They have medium builds and long legs for agility.
• Behavior: Primarily nocturnal but can be active during the day depending on conditions.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Status: Near Threatened due to habitat loss and poaching.
• Legal Protection: Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, offering the highest legal protection in India.

About Manas National Park

• Location: Situated in Assam, India, near the Bhutan border.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site : Manas National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
• Biosphere Reserve : Manas National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
• The name of the park originates from the Manas River, which is named after the serpent goddess Manasa.
• The Manas River is a major tributary of Brahmaputra River, which passes through the Manas National Park.