Imphal: The first photographic evidence of a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), locally known in Meiteilon as Keijenglang, has been recorded in Manipur’s Ukhrul district along the Indo–Myanmar border.
The image was captured through camera traps by the Environmental Force for Grassroot Level (ENFOGAL), a local conservation group, as part of its ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts.
Leopard cat, a small wild feline species found in the hilly forests of Manipur, is often distinguished from the domestic cat. It is considered a protected species in the state and is rarely documented in the wild.
According to ENFOGAL volunteers, the sighting is significant as it provides evidence of the species’ presence in seasonal rocky streams and dense forested habitats of Ukhrul district. The finding is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of lesser-documented wildlife species in the region.
Experts emphasised that sustained monitoring, along with community awareness and habitat conservation, will be crucial for the long-term survival of species such as the leopard cat.
In an earlier incident on May 26, 2016, a leopard cat was rescued from Kangmong Meisnam Maning Leikai in Imphal West district after being spotted by local youths, some of whom had initially attempted to harm the animal before a rescue team intervened.