First photographic record of the Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus is thought to be present in most forested areas of Sri Lanka. Though it was suggested that the species may occur in montane regions, there was no photographic evidence to date. Here we present the first photographic record of the Rusty-spotted Cat in Horton Plains National Park. Individuals including cubs were photo-captured on 15 separate occasions during a 5,538 camera trap days study. These photo-captures were made both during the day and night, and indicate the presence of a breeding population in this protected area.