Camera trap image of a rusty-spotted cat in an palm oil plantation. ©Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society.

Therefore, this project envisages developing a holistic understanding of the bio-geographical distribution of rusty-spotted cats in unprotected, human-dominated landscapes by engaging local communities as main stakeholders. This will be achieved through an exclusive “Community Camera Trapping” program that involves training communities to set up remotely triggered wildlife cameras on their village lands and incentivization of their services. It also involves promoting awareness via various communication channels among all stakeholders to foster support for conservation of a rare cat species in a largely neglected landscape.

Header: Aerial view of the habitat in village lands where rusty-spotted cats are frequented sighted. ©Madhu S.