Hunting record of endangered Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata in the Ziro Valley of Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Considering the low population densities and continuing loss of forested habitats, the IUCN has assessed the Marbled Cat as a Vulnerable species. The Indian Wildlife Protection Act accords highest level of protection to this species by placing it under Schedule I. Here we present a recent hunting record of Marbled Cats in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. As part of our study to assess the level of human wildlife conflict, extensive questionnaire surveys were conducted in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, i.e., East Kameng, Papumpare and Lower Subansiri. Local hunters, village headman ('Gambura') were interviewed for valuable information. During the survey, Pardofelis marmorata kill was encountered in Hija Village in Lower Subansiri District.