v14i2.392

eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.392

Submitted date: 2 October 2024
Accepted date: 21 September 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 330–331.

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) uses caves as a refuge in Maharashtra

P.R. Patil, D. Kawalkar*, S.S. Manchi, A. Dhamorikar & H. Pethe
*Corresponding author. E-mail: wawan.sujarwo@brin.go.id

The mainland leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is one of India’s 15 wild cat species, ranging widely from the Russian Far East to Singapore. Within India, it occurs across the Western and Eastern Ghats, eastern coastal hills, the Himalayas, and northeast India. Genetic and ecological analyses show that the Western Ghats population is both geographically isolated and genetically distinct from those in Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Globally, the species is classified as Least Concern, yet in India it receives the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Highly adaptable, the leopard cat occupies habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to human-modified landscapes such as plantations. Its distribution correlates strongly with prey abundance and local environmental conditions. Breeding patterns vary geographically—seasonal in temperate regions (late April–June in Russia) and continuous near the equator. For denning, females typically use hollow trees, dense shrubs, overhanging rocks, or large roots. Until now, there has been no record of this species using caves for birthing or shelter, making the present observation of cave use an ecologically significant finding.

Section Editor: Gennady Baryshnikov