The Rusty-spotted cat, among the world’s smallest cats, has been documented for the first time in the National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
The study documented two roadkill incidents involving rusty-spotted cats along the Bharthana-Sindaus road in Etawah district in 2025.
Researchers said the new finding helps establish a new location for the species, thus allowing for localised conservation measures.
The species is a ‘near threatened’ species as per the IUCN Red List.
According to the paper, the first carcass of a male cat was found on March 14, 2025, near the Yamuna river, while the second, a female, was recorded on April 24, 2025, along the same stretch of road near Chakar Nagar.
The researchers said the findings are ecologically significant because the Chambal-Yamuna interfluve landscape contains an extensive ravine network and forest patches that may support small carnivores.
Systematic surveys are planned to estimate the cat’s population in the region.
The study warns that vehicular traffic poses a growing threat to the species, stating that multiple roadkill incidents indicate that vehicular traffic has been a significant threat to the rusty-spotted cat.
