JUNGLE CAT (FELIS CHAUS SCHREBER 1777) – A VICTIM OF FALSE BLAME? A CASE STUDY IN GOMAI, KATWA, WEST BENGAL, INDIATanima Choudhury and Narayan GhoraiAbstract A study was conducted in Gomai village to determine the impact jungle cats had on poultry bird deaths. The study revealed that 1.6+ 0.7 chickens and 3.6+2.22 ducks were lost per household due to predation during the period of 2020-2021. A total of Rs. 53200 ($ 727.3) was lost due to the poultry bird deaths from predation. The jungle cats were observed to be responsible for 1.17±0.39 chicken and 1.18±0.39 duck deaths per household. They caused an economic loss of Rs. 14600 ($ 199.6), accounting for only 27.44% of total economic loss caused due to predation. The study revealed that majority of the poultry deaths were caused by Indian free ranging dogs. The dogs killed 1.11±0.8 chickens and 2.6±1.7 ducks per household. The dogs caused an economic loss of INR 38600 ($ 530.59), accounting for 72.55% of the total economic loss caused due to predation. The villagers believed the jungle cats to be responsible for nearly all the poultry bird deaths due to predation. Correcting their false belief would be necessary in order to get their help in protecting the jungle cats in the unprotected area of the village. |