20 May,2026 01:21 PM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
The animal is undergoing treatment. Pic via special arrangement
A rare injured Rusty-spotted Cat, regarded as the world's smallest wild cat species, was rescued from a hostel campus near the Kharghar Hills in Maharashtra's Raigad district after being spotted by a group of students.
According to wildlife officials, the students found the wild cat in an injured condition inside the Panvel hostel premises. They secured the animal and immediately alerted the Forest Department.
The rescue operation was jointly conducted by the Forest Department and members of Mumbai-based wildlife rescue organisation Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW). The custody of the animal was later handed over to RAWW for treatment and rehabilitation.
Wildlife rescuers said the Rusty-spotted Cat sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures, and is currently in critical condition.
The animal is undergoing treatment under the supervision of Dr Rina Dev, associate wildlife veterinarian with RAWW.
Officials said the cat is likely to undergo a major surgery in an attempt to save its life and is currently under round-the-clock observation and care by a team of veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators.
The Rusty-spotted Cat is considered one of the rarest wild cat species and is protected under Indian wildlife laws with protection equivalent to that of a tiger. The elusive species is known for its extremely small size and limited sightings in the wild.
