Islamabad, April 02: Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, the chief of the Leghari tribes, has confirmed the presence of the rare Asiatic desert cat (Felis lybica ornata) in the Sulaiman Mountain Range of District Dera Ghazi Khan.
Recognized for its sandy-colored fur and extraordinary ability to survive in harsh desert conditions, this elusive feline is rarely spotted in Pakistan.
Leghari, who managed to capture images of the rare cat, stated that due to its critically low numbers, conservationists have decided to keep the exact location undisclosed to prevent risks such as illegal trapping, hunting, and habitat disturbance.
Wildlife experts and local researchers have responded to the sighting with both excitement and concern.
“This is a crucial discovery for Pakistan’s biodiversity, but it must be handled with extreme caution,” said one conservationist involved in monitoring efforts.
Leghari emphasized the dangers posed by poachers and collectors, warning that if its location were widely known, the species could disappear from the region permanently.
A subspecies of the African Wildcat, the Asiatic desert cat faces mounting threats due to habitat destruction and increasing human activity.
Its confirmed presence in the Sulaiman Mountains highlights the ecological importance of the region, which shelters numerous endangered species.
Environmentalists have urged the government and local communities to strengthen conservation initiatives in the area.
“This discovery should serve as a wake-up call for stricter anti-poaching measures and efforts to preserve natural habitats,” Leghari stressed.
For now, authorities are discreetly monitoring the region to collect further data while minimizing any potential threats.
The sighting underscores the richness of Pakistan’s wildlife but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger conservation strategies to prevent the loss of rare species.
