and Arunachal Pradesh (Pakke Tiger
Reserve) respectively. Therefore, the
need of time is to review all the
available literature on Asiatic Golden
Cat in whole Northeastern states for
further detail studies.
Like bigger cats, Asiatic golden
cats are shy, elusive and sensitive
to disturbance. They are known as
solitary hunters as well as territorial
in nature. The cat is more crepuscular
or diurnal in nature though once
thought to be nocturnal in habits.
The feline spent most of the time
on the ground, carrying their long
tail curled up at the tip. The animal
ambushes prey from ground and then
drags the kill up to the trees to eat.
The feline feeds on insects, birds,
lizards, snakes, squirrel, rabbits,
rodents and other ungulates up to the
size of small deer (Barking deer and
sometimes juvenile Sambar). Where
humans’ habitats are present, the
cats prey on domesticated livestock
(sheep & goats) and poultry (chicks
& ducks). Studies suggests that
Asiatic golden cats are found mostly
in deciduous forest (dry), evergreen
forest and tropical rainforest. In
addition, the feline also are found
in moderately open living spaces,
such as shrubs and open grasslands.
There is very little information on
the population status of Asiatic
golden cat in Manipur in the last
few decades. The Asiatic golden
cat is closely associated with our
legendary beliefs and our folklores,
with our epics and our history. The
story of Tokpa Meisangba (wild
cat having long tail) and Waba-
chengngacha (Khalij pheasant
Lophura leucomelanos) has been an
integral part of traditional folk tales
(Phungga wari), Tokpa lanndaba
in our Meitei culture. The son of
Waba-chengngacha with his friends
killed Tokpa as a revenge for killing
his father in the tale. As such, the
feline have been associated with
various myths (Tokpa ga Kambaga,
Kei ga Yen ga) and superstitions (Kei
na Tokpa pokpra) are other transit
ethical, religious and philosophical
knowledge to the Meitei community.
In fact, these are simple entertaining
adage which may or may not have
systematic explanation, and yet they
are easy to understand and memorize
with some scope of addition,
subtraction and modification by
almost all members of folk society.
At present, the lesser known medium
size sympatric carnivore is distributed
mainly in Kailam (Churachandpur),
Zailad (Tamenglong) and Bunning
(Tamenglong) Wildlife Sanctuary
(WS). Statistical survey is needed to
identify any bio-geographic patterns
that exist in accordance with different
altitudes and different forest types.Generally, Asiatic Golden Cat is
susceptible to loss of valuable habitat
and habitat fragmentation. Random
killing, poaching, conflicts with
humans and livestock depredation
is other threatening issues of
concern for this species. Other
factors include population rise,
increasing human activities in the
protected areas leading to shrinkage,
fragmentation, deforestation and
resource exploitation thereby altering
the extent and spatial configuration
of their habitats. Now, shifting
cultivation, faulty land use practices
and other environmental factors
practiced in the hilly region of
the state, is considered a threat to
forests. Unsustainable legal trophy
hunting and high hunting pressure is
another threat to the survival of the
species. Some cultures trap and kill
the animal for its pelt and bones for
traditional ritual purposes while other
consider the cat as a good delicacy.
Besides, consumption of golden cat
meat enhancing strength and vigor is
still an accepted belief in some other
traditional form. However by and
large, hunting of this animal is illegal.
Despite the threats, there has been
no detailed field research on Asiaticgolden cats till now in the State.
Lack of general information as well
as low level of public awareness led
the animal to the stage of vulnerable
race. Several aspects of the golden
cat’s ecology make it vulnerable even
to extinction. Above all, some surveys
have recorded the cat more frequently
than sympatric wild cats while others
have recorded it less frequently.The information presented here
is based on the literature review
and field based data studies to
guide protection planning for the
Asiatic golden cat populations in
Manipur. Such studies identify key
knowledge gaps, helping the survival
status of the animal, as well as the
future of those local people sharing
forests areas with this medium size
feline. Further studies on their
social behaviour, prey preferences,
sexual and mating behaviour, and
physiology and veterinary problems
will unravel the behavior of the
species. Besides, ex situ and in situ
conservation will benefits in filling
up these gaps as well as in learning
about the natural behaviour of this
species. Conservation of Tokpa
in collaboration with the local
communities leading the way will be
the best way to protect and preserve
small endangered cats. Besides,
protection through traditional
beliefs is one system of preservation
and management, particularly in
Manipur where traditions and
religious sentiments are still very
strong. It is important to mention
that most traditional practices,
whether continuing or revived,
do get modified over a period of
time depending on the changing
circumstances and situations.
Therefore, it is the right time to react;
otherwise it may become impossible
to see the Asiatic golden cat in the
wild again, not even through a
photograph.neScholar 0 vol 4 0 issue 4 23
TOKPA I NATURE