A rare Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), considered the world’s smallest wild cat species, was found dead in Matheran, raising concerns among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists over the growing threats faced by the elusive feline.

Naturalists discover carcass during night herping expedition

The carcass was discovered during a night herping expedition by a team of naturalists, including Mangesh Kadam, Pallavi Parab, Aashutosh Shrivardhankar and Mahesh Ramkripal Yadav. The group was documenting nocturnal reptiles and amphibians when they spotted the lifeless animal.