Training Conducted Under ‘One Household, One Kitchen Garden’ Program for Rusty-Spotted Cat Conservation
In Thakurbaba, Bardiya, a ‘One Household, One Kitchen Garden’ program has been implemented linking local livelihoods to the conservation of the rusty-spotted cat. Kathmandu, 11th Shrawan. To protect the world’s smallest wild cat species, the rusty-spotted cat, a program integrating conservation with local livelihoods has been initiated in Bardiya district. The event, held in Thakurbaba Municipality-9, Khushalpur, saw the participation of 14 local residents. They received one-day training on organic vegetable cultivation, compost production, soil management, and sustainable agricultural practices. After the training, each participant was provided with agricultural tools and seeds for seasonal vegetables, organizers reported.
The program is carried out with support from the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF), Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF), and the Rusty-Spotted Cat Working Group – Bardiya. Program coordination was led by Ramjan Chaudhary, while the training was delivered by veterinarian Ashish Chaudhary. According to organizers, promoting kitchen gardens at every household is expected to reduce reliance on forest resources, decrease human pressure on forest areas, and thereby contribute to wildlife habitat conservation.
It is anticipated that this initiative will lower forest fire risks, reduce illegal poaching, and positively impact the conservation of prey species essential for the rusty-spotted cat. This rare wild cat species is found only in Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. Its body length ranges from 35 to 48 centimeters, weighing between 0.9 and 1.6 kilograms. Due to the distinctive rusty-colored small spots on its body, it is locally known as the ‘Khya Thople Biralo’ (spotted cat) in Nepal. The cat is primarily nocturnal, solitary, and extremely shy.
Its primary diet includes mice, small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs, and various insects. Conservationists note that by controlling mouse populations, it plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. According to program coordinator Ramjan Chaudhary, the species was first recorded with photographic evidence in Bardiya National Park in 2069 BS (2012-2013 AD). During the training, participants were encouraged to take an active role in forest fire management, preventing illegal hunting, reducing wildlife-related road accidents, and conserving natural habitats. SWCCF, MBZSCF, and the Rusty-Spotted Cat Working Group have been conducting school-level conservation awareness campaigns, tree planting, habitat restoration, homestay promotion, sustainable agriculture, and income-generating programs in Bardiya.
