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Jungle Cat Spotted in Pune: Urban Hills Hide Wildlife
29 Apr
Summary
- A jungle cat was captured on camera in Pune's Vetal tekdi complex.
- Researchers believe the cat may be using the hills as its habitat.
- Vetal tekdi's ecosystems are vital but face development pressures.
A recent wildlife monitoring initiative using night-vision trail cameras on Pune's Vetal tekdi complex has documented the presence of a jungle cat (Felis chaus). This finding underscores the ecological value of the city's hill ecosystems, which are increasingly under development pressure. Initial photographic evidence was captured in April 2025, with subsequent observations over several months suggesting the species may be using the area as a habitat, including the sighting of a juvenile indicating possible breeding.
Researchers involved in the project emphasize the importance of conserving hill ecosystems like Vetal tekdi, which serve as vital biodiversity pockets within Pune's expanding urban landscape. These areas, characterized by grassland and scrub vegetation, face stress from land-use changes and infrastructure development. A decade-long land-use assessment revealed declining native habitats and rising human disturbance, particularly near Chandni Chowk.
The persistence of wildlife in urban green spaces, exemplified by Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Jaipur's Jhalana Leopard Safari Park, highlights the importance of safeguarding habitats. As Pune's hills currently lack similar legal protection, conservationists stress that these latest observations build a case for ecological assessment and careful planning to ensure development coexists with biodiversity.
