Lincoln University camera traps have proved the existence of a threatened cat in Nepal, highlighting the need for conservation measures to ensure its survival.
Three photos from more than 5000 have captured the image of an elusive marbled cat for the first time in the country, part of a Lincoln University research programme carried out by student Sonam Lamam.
A camera trap is a remotely activated camera that is equipped with a motion sensor infrared sensor, used for capturing wild animals on film.
The camera-trapping study was conducted in non-protected forest areas of the Kangchenjunga landscape, bordering India on the eastern side, connecting the Singhalila National Park, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, in far eastern Nepal.
Any evidence before of the cats presence in Nepal was purely anecdotal though its presence was recognised by the Nepal Government. The image now shows the cat is actually in Nepal and needs protection.
The marbled cat is slightly larger than a domestic cat with irregular, large and dark-fringed markings and a long bushy tail.
You can read the research paper on the image capture here. https://natureconservation.pensoft.net/article/29740/