Records of the globally threatened rusty-spotted cat in Odisha, India

Abstract

The Rusty-spotted Cat, Prionailurus rubiginosus, is a vulnerable species, endemic to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The goal of the study is to provide an overview of the current distribution of the Rusty-spotted Cat in Odisha state through camera trap survey, review of published scientific literature and rescue records. This study presents 14 localities including seven new localities from the Odisha state in India. A long-term study, habitat protection and studying its ecology are recommended for initiating further steps to conserve its range.