These shy animals usually do not venture into areas that are open to the public.

Jungle cats

Hyderabad: The KBR National Park is known for its peacocks and the rare pythons — which often wander into the space from the shrubby neighbourhood — but one small mammal still remains elusive from visitors’ eyes. It’s the jungle cat.

According to Venkateshwar Rao, the Divisional Forest Officer at KBR National Park, jungle cats limit their movement to the conservation zone inside the park which is also home to a very small population of pangolins and palm civets.

These shy animals usually do not venture into areas that are open to the public. But recently, a jungle cat paid a visit to the office of the Divisional Forest Officer — located close to the walking track.

Jungle cats are not a threatened species and are found quite commonly. But activists say forest officials must ensure their numbers are recorded. It is estimated that the KBR park is home to around four to five adult jungle cats.

A wildlife activist from the city said, “Once these small numbers of animals vanish then no reason will also exist for protecting the park.”