First Photographic Record of Pallas's Cat Captured

During a Groundbreaking Survey in Arunachal Pradesh

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A landmark wildlife survey conducted in Arunachal Pradesh has revealed a series of rare and significant discoveries, including the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas's cat in the state. The survey also recorded the presence of five other wild cats—snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat above 4200 metres, indicating the landscape's unique wild cat diversity.

WWF-India conducted the survey in 2024, with guidance from local communities and with support from the Forest Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, under its project 'Reviving Trans-Himalayan Rangelands - A Community-led Vision for People and Nature' that is funded by the UK Government through the Darwin Initiative. The WWF-India team was led by Rohan Pandit, Taku Sai, Nisam Luxom and Pemba Tsering Romo under the guidance of Rishi Kumar Sharma, Head for Science and Conservation, Himalayas Programme, WWF-India.