Navi Mumbai: A rare wild cat of rusty-spotted cat breed was rescued from a trap in Dhutum village in Uran taluka and released into the forest at Mouje Vesvi, Uran, after it was found uninjured, forest and wildlife volunteers said. Sharad Dhavji Thakur, a social activist from Dhutum village, spotted the animal while on a morning walk on Sunday when he saw movement by the roadside in the Dhutum area. He found the cat trapped in a noose set by an unknown person and informed the animal-friendly organisation Care of Nature.Bhushan Raju Mumbaikar and Pravin Kadu, founders of the social organisation, were informed about the cat. The Care of Nature team, along with Raju Mumbaikar, reached the spot, inspected the area, rescued the rusty-spotted cat from the noose and placed it in an iron cage. Raju Mumbaikar informed Sunil Mahadik, forest ranger, Maharashtra Forest Department, Uran Forest Range.As the animal was not injured, it was released in the presence of Forest Guard Rajendra Karande in the forest at Mouje Vesvi-Uran for free movement in its habitat. The rusty-spotted cat is described as an extremely shy and nocturnal species and is called Vaghati in Marathi. It is described as the smallest cat in the world, with a body colour like rusty metal that helps it blend into its habitat.Because it is nocturnal and extremely shy, it is not easily seen and is considered a rare species. Social activists Sharad Thakur, Nikesh Madhavi, Kapil Gharat, Pratik Thakur and Devendra Thakur from Uran-Dhutum village, villagers of Dhutum village, and Care of Nature founder Raju Mumbaikar, Pravin Kadu and their team made long-hour efforts to rescue and release the animal.
