Ukhrul: The elusive Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) has been recorded for the first time in Manipur through a camera trap in Shirui village of Ukhrul district.
The record, documented by ENFOGAL (Environmental Force at Grass Root Level), adds a new entry to the documented wildlife of Manipur and highlights the ecological importance of the Shirui landscape.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, the Asian golden cat typically weighs between 9 and 16 kg. The wild feline is classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Given its elusive nature, camera traps are an important tool for documenting the species in forest habitats.
The discovery underscores the importance of sustained wildlife monitoring and forest conservation in the Shirui Hills. Further surveys could help establish a clearer understanding of the species’ distribution and habitat use in Manipur.
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