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Elusive Asian Golden Cat Spotted in Khao Luang National Park

After years of elusive sightings, the Asian golden cat makes a rare appearance in Khao Luang National Park, boosting conservation hopes.

This image consists of five animals. It looks like it is clicked in a forest. At the bottom, there...
This image consists of five animals. It looks like it is clicked in a forest. At the bottom, there is ground. In the background, there are trees.

Elusive Asian Golden Cat Spotted in Khao Luang National Park

A rare sighting has been captured in southern Thailand's Khao Luang National Park. For the first time in years, the elusive Asian golden cat has been spotted on camera. This discovery offers hope for the preservation of the vulnerable species.

The Asian golden cat, scientifically known as Catopuma temminckii, is a little-understood feline due to its elusive nature. The last confirmed sighting in Khao Luang National Park was several years ago, with evidence being mostly anecdotal. However, a recent camera trap has provided hard proof of the cat's presence, showing it strolling quietly through the park.

Camera traps have revolutionized how researchers track rare and endangered animals. They allow for monitoring without constant human presence in sensitive habitats. This new footage suggests that viable habitat still exists in the park, which could prompt targeted conservation measures.

The Asian golden cat is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and declining population trends. Global population estimates suggest fewer than 7,000 individuals remain in the wild. The recent sighting in Khao Luang National Park is a positive sign, indicating that conservation efforts could help preserve this rare species.

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