Rare Marbled Cat Spotted in Assam’s Dehing Patkai National Park

A Marbled Cat, listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, was recently captured on a camera trap at Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam. This elusive species, usually found in forested areas of the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia, faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. The sighting provides valuable insights into the species’ conservation status and reaffirms the park’s significance as a biodiversity hotspot.

In another significant discovery, a pair of endangered white-winged ducks was recorded in the park through Passive Acoustic Monitoring by the Wildlife Trust of India. This rare species, previously classified under the genus Cairina, is one of the largest duck species.

Meanwhile, concerns have arisen over the presence of the invasive Crocodile Catfish in the Bahini River in Guwahati. This species poses a threat to local aquatic biodiversity by preying on small fish and larvae. The State Fishery Department has collected samples to assess the extent of the threat, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures to protect Assam’s indigenous wildlife.