Why in News?  

Recently, camera traps captured images of the elusive marbled cat in Dehing Patkai National Park, located in Assam’s Tinsukia district. 

About  

The Indian marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), commonly known as the marbled cat, is a small wild cat species native to South and Southeast Asia. 

• Closely related to: Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and bay cat (Catopuma badia). 

Distribution 

• Found across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. 
• In India, it primarily inhabits the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. 

Key Features 

• Distinctive fur pattern: Marbled brown or gray coat with black spots and stripes, aiding in camouflage. 
• Size 
  • Males: 4.5 – 9 kg 
  • Females: 2.5 – 5 kg 
• Excellent climbers: Capable of leaping between trees. 
• Solitary and territorial: Marks its territory using urine and scent marking. 
• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened due to habitat loss and declining populations.