A groundbreaking wildlife survey in Arunachal Pradesh has successfully captured the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas's cat in the region. This landmark discovery highlights the ecological richness of the Eastern Himalayas and reaffirms the area's status as a global biodiversity hotspot.

The survey, conducted by WWF-India in 2024 in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department and local communities, not only documented the Pallas's cat but also recorded the presence of five other wild cat species – snow leopard, common leopard, clouded leopard, leopard cat, and marbled cat – at altitudes above 4,200 meters. This remarkable co-occurrence of multiple wild cat species underscores the unique wild cat diversity of the landscape.

The Pallas's cat, listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, is one of the least studied wild cats in the world. Its confirmation in Arunachal Pradesh expands the known distribution of the species in the eastern Himalayas, adding to earlier confirmed records from Sikkim, Bhutan, and eastern Nepal.

The survey also achieved several other significant milestones. It documented India's highest elevation records for several species, including the common leopard at 4,600 meters, the clouded leopard at 4,650 meters, the marbled cat at 4,326 meters, the Himalayan wood owl at 4,194 meters, and the grey-headed flying squirrel at 4,506 meters. These records may even exceed previously known global elevation limits for these species.

In addition to the species records, the survey also captured rare behavioral insights. Camera traps recorded both a snow leopard and a common leopard scent-marking at the same location, offering new understanding of how big cats may share fragile alpine habitats.

The success of the survey can be attributed to extensive planning, logistical support, and the knowledge and support of local guides and herding communities. The equipment remained in place for more than eight months in difficult terrain and extreme conditions.

Rishi Kumar Sharma from WWF-India emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating that the record of Pallas's cat in Arunachal Pradesh demonstrates how little is still known about high Himalayan ecosystems and highlights the importance of community-led conservation grounded in both science and traditional knowledge. Ngilyang Tam, the state's principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, hailed the findings as proof of Arunachal Pradesh's importance as a global biodiversity hotspot and emphasized the need for continued investment in scientific monitoring and conservation.

The findings highlight the ecological richness of the high-altitude rangelands and the importance of science-based, community-led conservation efforts to protect the region's biodiversity. The survey provides valuable insights into the distribution, ecology, and behavior of wild cats and other species in the Eastern Himalayas, which will be crucial for developing effective conservation strategies in the face of increasing environmental challenges.