First record of Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) from Ramgarh-Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary in semi-arid landscape of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Restricted to India and Sri Lanka in its distribution, the Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus is the smallest felid in the world. The present distribution of this species in India is to a large extent not thoroughly documented and is based on opportunistic sightings and reports. To date, the northernmost confirmed record of this cat is from Sariska and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. In this communication, we present evidence of this species from further south at Ramgarh-Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary from the state of Rajasthan.