In March 2024, a camera trap set beside an artificial pond in a forest near Goa's Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary captured the state’s first ever photographic record of a mainland leopard cat, a shy and elusive wild feline rarely documented in the region.
- Man-made pond created to support wildlife during dry season
- Camera trap captured Goa’s first photo of mainland leopard cat
- Multiple species regularly visit and use the new water source
What happened
On the night of March 7, 2024, a small wild cat cautiously approached a newly created pond in a forest patch adjacent to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Unaware of a camera trap nearby, the cat stopped to drink and was captured in five short video clips. This footage marked an exciting breakthrough for the conservation team, as it documented Goa's first photographic record of the elusive mainland leopard cat species.
The pond and camera trap were part of a research experiment by Akshita Pungaliya and Atul Borker, who set out to address the seasonal drying of a freshwater stream in the forest. By building a small artificial pond holding 40 litres of water and monitoring animal visits throughout the year, they hoped to provide a dependable water source to local wildlife during the hotter, drier months.
Why it feels good
The discovery is a heartening example of how modest conservation efforts can yield significant ecological insights and benefits. The team was not originally looking for the leopard cat; their primary goal was to support animals facing water scarcity. Yet their work uncovered a hidden facet of the forest’s inhabitants, expanding knowledge about lesser-known species in the region.
Moreover, the camera trap captured a variety of species including birds, mongooses, squirrels, Indian gaur, leopards, and giant squirrels, highlighting how the artificial pond has become a vital resource attracting a broad spectrum of wildlife. The finding also reinforces the importance of protecting smaller, less celebrated creatures who play important roles within their ecosystems.
What to enjoy or watch next
The ongoing monitoring of the artificial pond promises further discoveries as animals grow accustomed to this dependable water source. The researchers have seen promising patterns of repeated visits, indicating that wildlife is adapting to and relying on the pond across seasons. This underscores the potential of similar conservation practices in other regions facing seasonal water shortages.
Nature enthusiasts and supporters of conservation efforts can look forward to more fascinating updates from the Vanasa Conservation Foundation, co-founded by the researchers in 2023. Their continued work in lesser-known habitats aims to shed light on shy and under-studied species, fostering greater appreciation and protection for all wildlife in India and beyond.