The worlds first conservation captive breeding programme for the Indian rusty-spotted cat,the worlds smallest wild cat species,is set to begin at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali. Officials from Germanys Frankfurt zoo,which has a similar programme for the Sri Lankan species of the cat,are likely to visit the park in February to guide the programme. Weighing between 1 and 1.6 kg,the rusty-spotted cat,with its short fur marked with rust brown spots,is found only in India and Sri Lanka. We are the only centre in the country that has captive bred rusty-spotted cats, said Vikas Gupta,chief conservator of forests,SGNP. Little is known about these cats. As they are a small species,there is no spotlight on them. Our programme and research will help us understand the cat better and increase its chances of survival, said Gupta. The programme will entail day-to-day monitoring using camera traps to study behaviourial patterns and oestrous cycles of the cat. An in-house consultant will be appointed to hold discussions with the Frankurt experts,and devise strategies for the programme. A junior research fellow will also be appointed,and will receive a grant to learn more about the cat and track its progress. Pune-based surgeon,educationist and environmental expert Dr Erach Bharucha has been advising the Maharashtra Forest Department (MFD) on this project. The MFD finalised the plans for this programme a week ago,after passing a budget grant of Rs 21 lakh last month,said Gupta. At present,there are three males,two females and a cub at the national park. The cub is five months old and this has encouraged the park officials to go ahead with a detailed conservation breeding programme,said an official. Because of the cannibalistic nature of the mother,SGNP officials have made special provisions to keep the cub safe. Protein supplements as well as calcium and minerals were regularly provided to the cat during gestation. Post delivery,the mother was given meat three to four times a day,thereby reducing the chances of harm to the newborn,said Dr Sanjiv Pinjarkar,veterinary officer at SGNP. Protein deficiency and hunger could be the leading causes of cannibalism in these cats. This cub is very precious to us and we have taken several measures to keep it alive,and have been successful so far, said Pinjarkar. anjali.lukose@expressindia.com
