Arunachal Survey Spots Rare Pallas’s Cat in Himalayas, giving India its first photographic proof of this elusive wild feline. The survey, led by WWF-India with support from the state Forest Department and local communities, marks a major milestone for wildlife research in the eastern Himalayas.
Researchers set up 136 camera traps at 83 locations across 2,000 sq km of rugged terrain in West Kameng and Tawang districts. The cameras captured not only the Pallas’s cat but also snow leopard, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, and common leopard at altitudes above 4,200 metres. Experts said this proves the area’s remarkable wildcat diversity.
The Pallas’s cat, usually found in extremely cold and high regions, was photographed near 5,000 metres. This extends its known range across the eastern Himalayas, joining earlier records from Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal.
The survey also documented record elevations for several species: common leopard at 4,600 metres, clouded leopard at 4,650 metres, and marbled cat at 4,326 metres.
WWF-India officials said these findings highlight the resilience of Himalayan rangelands and the importance of community-led conservation. Local Brokpa herders actively took part, showing how traditional livelihoods and wildlife protection can thrive together.
