TOKPA
ASIATIC GOLDEN CAT
The Fading Feline
Rahul Ashem
Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai
Imphal West 795001, ManipurTokpa is an endangered small cat. Report
revealed the decline of Tokpa population
in the State of Manipur at present. CITES
(the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Fauna and
Flora) and IUCN (International Union
for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources) on its well known Red List
listed the feline in Appendix I and Near
Threatened Category respectively. WildlifeProtection Act 1972 categorised the species
under Scheduled 1 and vulnerable in the
wild, meaning it will soon be threatened
with extinction if not protected. The name
Golden in the Asiatic golden cat is due to
golden polymorphic in its pelage. The varied
color of the feline ranging from fox red coat
to dark brown or melanistic or even grey
form are reported depending on their range
and habitat. The presence of theEcology of Tokpa (Asiatic Golden Cat) is least known in Manipur.
Lack of information is another impediment to scientific management
and habitat conservation. The folk tale of Tokpa Lanndaba (To wage
war against wild cat) indicates the presence of numerous Asiatic
Golden Cats population in ManipurneScholar 0 vol 4 0 issue 4 21
TOKPA I NATURE