First photographic evidence of the Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan

Abstract

The Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii is among Asia’s least studied wild felids. We report the first photographic evidence of its presence in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern Bhutan, where it was recorded above 3,000m. The photographs show three distinct colour morphs, viz., golden, buff brown, and melanistic. The main threat to the species in the sanctuary appears to be habitat loss due to increasing developmental activities and land use change. Future studies are needed to determine the conservation status of Asiatic Golden Cats in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.

Keywords

• camera trap
• distribution
• merak
• morphs
• small wild cats
• threats