(a) whether cubs of Rusty Spotted Cat, which is among the endangered species, have
been found in a farm in Karad Tehsil of Satara District of Maharashtra;
(b) if so, whether the forest department is taking proper care of the cubs of these endangered species;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the conservation programme is proposed to be implemented to increase the number of Rusty Spotted Cat in the Western Ghats of India; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a), (b) & (c) No, Sir. As informed by the State Government of Maharashtra, on 30.12.2006,
two cubs of Jungle cat ( Felis chaus) and not Rusty Spotted Cat, were found in village
Korivale, of Karad Tehsil of District Satara. The animals were sent to the Uttara’s
Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Katraj, Pune for up-keep and have been
reprtedly doing well.
(d) & (e) No special programme is proposed to be implemented for increasing the number
of Rusty Spotted Cat in the Western Ghats of India, however, the steps taken to protect
the Rusty Spotted Cat include:
(i) The species has been included in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 thereby affording it the highest degree of protection.
(ii) Habitats of endangered species in the Western Ghats have been declared as
Protected Areas.
(iii) Financial assistance is provided to the State Governments for protection of
the species and its habitat.
(iv) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent
for wildlife offences.
(v) Wide publicity is given on provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
against poaching.
(vi) The field staff have been alerted to be on the look for any poaching activity
in their jurisdiction.