According to the Miami Herald, trail cameras caught footage of the rare Asian golden cat in Khao Luang National Park in southern Thailand.
Also known as Temminck's cat, the Asian golden cat is native to Southeast Asia. It is difficult to spot because of its nocturnal lifestyle and its typical habitat, which is dense bamboo.
Officials were able to identify the footage of the golden cat because of the animal's distinct tail. Unlike other wild cats, Asian golden cats always keep their tails up in a raised position as they walk.
As carnivores, golden cats play a crucial role in ensuring the balance of the entire ecosystem, keeping prey populations at bay. However, in Thailand, the Asian golden cat is listed as endangered because of a variety of factors that have threatened its survival.
"Seeing the cat in the national park was a good sign, but officials warn forest encroachment, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction continue to threaten the golden cats," reported the Miami Herald.
According to officials, illegal hunters use snares in the park, and these types of traps pose a risk to Asian golden cats.
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Despite these challenges, trail cameras serve as a powerful tool for conservationists and park officials trying to protect rare and endangered species. By capturing footage of elusive species, experts can better account for population size and develop more effective species management strategies.
Savvy conservation efforts help manage our environment and ensure that more species survive, thereby helping to secure our food supply. Across the globe, trail cameras have been used to confirm and identify rare species, protecting the planet's biodiversity and helping scientists learn more about the natural world.
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