Three kittens of the world's smallest cat species named rusty spotted cat were reunited with their mother near Phaltan in Satara district by the state forest department on Monday.
Sugarcane workers discovered three kittens of the extremely rare Rusty Spotted Cat on Anandrao Khomane's farm in Mauje Khatkevasti (Gawli Nagar).
Promptly alerting the Phaltan Forest Department, a rescue operation was carried out by officials from the Satara Forest Department, including Phaltan Taluka Forest Range Officer Sachin Raghatwan, Forester Rajendra Kumbhar, Forest Guard Rahul Nikam, and members of the Global Earth Foundation, Sachin Jadhav, and Mangesh Karve.
Sugarcane workers discovered three kittens of the extremely rare Rusty Spotted Cat |
They were placed in a small plastic box at the discovery spot, monitored by cameras. |
To everyone's satisfaction, the mother retrieved them after about an hour, marking the success of the conservation effort. |
Mother Holding the kitten in her mouth |
Mother came to take them in an hour after rescue
After confirming the species, they were temporarily taken into custody, and efforts were made to return them to their mother. Assistance from the Rescue Charitable Trust in Pune, including Shreyash Kamble and Rishikesh More, played a crucial role. They were placed in a small plastic box at the discovery spot, monitored by cameras. To everyone's satisfaction, the mother retrieved them after about an hour, marking the success of the conservation effort.
Phaltan Taluka Forest Range Officer Sachin Raghatwan expressed delight, highlighting the significance of this rare wildlife discovery in a rural area like Phaltan Taluka.
Sachin Jadhav from the Global Earth Foundation emphasized the urgency of saving this extremely rare species, urging continued efforts for their conservation.
World's smallest cat
Listed as 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) holds the distinction of being the world's smallest cat. This elusive species, found exclusively in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, lacks precise population estimates. Thriving in dense vegetation and rocky areas, Rusty Spotted Cats face significant population decline attributed to habitat alterations, road accidents, and potential hybridization with domestic cats. Conservation efforts are imperative to mitigate these threats and ensure the continued survival of this diminutive and vulnerable feline species.
