Felids
Felidae or Felids is the family of mammals in the order Carnivora colloquially referred to as cats. Lion, Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Jaguar, Lynx, and various cats are member of this family.
Lion
Lions ( Panther leo) are found only in Gir forests of Gujarat state, lying within the Jumnagadh district covering about 1280 Kms. These are the majestic animals in Indian forests living in prides.
Tiger
Tigers (Panthera tigris) are the endangered wild animals found all over India from Himalayas to Cape Camorin except in the deserts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Cutch and Sind.
Panther
Panthers (Panthera pardus) are highly adaptable in nature to the environment and are seen all over India. There are three races present in India (Panthers from Sind and Baluchistan and Kashmir are regarded as separate races).
Other felids have also to be understood in terms of conservation of wild fauna.
Other Felids
- Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa): These animals are seen in Assam and Sikkim.
- Cheetah or Hunting leopard (Acinonyx jubatus): Cheetah are extinct in India, at present.
- Caracal and Jaguars: Caracals are seen in north and north-west hills of Cutch and Jaguars are considered to be the sturdy animals.
- Lynx (Felis lynx): Lynx are seen in upper Indus valley, Ladak, Gilgit and Tibet. These animals are called as “isabellina”.
- Indian desert cat: Indian desert cats are seen in deserts of north-western India ex tending to the drier regions of Central India.
- Marbled cat (Felis marmorata): Marbled cats are sighted in Sikkim and Assam. Single race occurs in India.
- Leopard cat (Felis bengalensis): Leopard cats can be sighted in wider parts of India from Kashmir to Cape Camorin.
- Golden cat (Felis temmincki): In Assam and Sikkim, Golden cats are present.
- Pallas cat (Felis manul): Pallas cats are seen in Ladak.
