Indian Desert Cat spotted in Panna Tiger Reserve

Context

An Indian Desert Cat has been spotted for the first time in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR).

About the species

• The Indian Desert Cat (Felis silvestris ornata) is also known as the Asiatic Wildcat or the Asian Steppe Wildcat. 
• The Indian Desert Cat is said to rest in the daytime and hunt in the night when it roams nearly five to six kilometres in search of prey that include smaller animals and birds. 
• Not much is known about the animal as there is not enough in-depth study done on it. 
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
  • CITES: Appendix-II
  • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule-I

Habitat

• The wild cat lives in desert-shrub areas, it can survive without water.
• The species is found in 'Western India'.
• It is commonly seen in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Survival in the desert

• Cushion toes for temperature: The toes of the species have cushion like hair which help it balance the fluctuating desert temperatures.
• Water: The desert cat can survive without too much water. 
• Camouflaging: The cat is coloured such that it is camouflaged well in the desert sand, making it difficult to be spotted.
• Ear power: The desert cat has big ears that are very sensitive and it can pick up the slightest sound, even a kilometre away.