# Big and Medium Cats in Sindh

Many different species of mammals can be classified as cats (felids) in Sindh. These include the domestic cat (both house cats and ferals), of the species Felis catus; medium-sized wild cats from the genus Felis, such as the jungle cat (Felis chaus); and big cats from the genus Panthera, such as leopards (Panthera pardus). Wild cats like the caracal (Caracal caracal), known for their agility and tufted ears, also inhabit the region. Among these, domestic cats vastly outnumber their wild relatives, which are often elusive and face threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict​.
These groups collectively represent the diversity of wildcats in Sindh, an essential component of its ecological and cultural heritage.

## Tiger واگهه

Tigers (Sindhi:واگهه) were present in what is now Sindh until the early 20th century, with their extinction around 1906 and sporadic sightings until 1933. They were once common in regions like Khairpur and Sukkur districts of Sindh. Reports of tigers causing destruction are scarce; in Lower Sindh, they were virtually unheard of. In Upper Sindh, however, tigers would occasionally emerge from dense Tamarisk thickets and tall grass along riverbanks, venturing into cultivated areas to prey on stray cattle.

## Leopard چٽرن وارو چِيتو

Leopards (Sindhi:چٽرن وارو چِيتو) in the high lands of Sindh like Kirthar Ranges and Karoonjhar Mountains. It is not that common in Sindh, and with the hunting leopard, affects the hills approaching the Indus, where both prey on the gazelle or ravine deer. Of the two, this species is said to be the dread of the cultivators, as, unlike the hunting leopard, it is often found hiding during the day in high jowaree fields, while the hunting leopard seldom emerges from its hilly retreat. Prowls among villages carrying off sheep, goats, and dogs, and sometimes commits great depredations. The common leopard is listed as protected and illegal to hunt in provincial laws of Sindh which can result in punishment of five years in prison and Rs 1.2 million fine.. Leopards have been hunted to close to extinction either as trophies or as pests by hunters.

## Fishing Cat پيرنگ

The fishing cat (Sindhi: پيرنگ) is widely but irregularly found across South and Southeast Asia. It mainly thrives in lush wetlands near slow-moving waters like swamps and marshes. These include low-salinity zones like oxbow lakes, and high-salinity areas like tidal creeks and mangroves.It hides along these waters within thick vegetation such as forests, scrublands, reed beds, and grasslands. Most sightings are from lowland regions. In Sindh, Pakistan, it was spotted near the Chotiari Dam in 2012.

## Asiatic Wildcat جهنگ جو ٻلو

The Asiatic wildcat, is a subspecies of the African wildcat. It inhabits arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts and scrublands, across Pakistan, India, Iran, and Central Asia. In Sindh, it likely exists in areas with suitable habitats, such as scrub deserts and thorny vegetation near water bodies. These cats are adapted to drier environments, relying on prey like rodents, birds, and reptiles for both sustenance and hydration. In Sindh, wildcats exhibit pale sandy-yellow coats adorned with small spots, which often align in vertical patterns along their trunks and flanks. Common nearly throughout the Province, in gardens, grass thickets, &c., and occasionally on the river banks^ It does much mischief in poultry yards, and has been known to carry away rabbits insecurely penned. Commonly its chief food consists of field rats, and such game as it can secure among birds.

## Jungle cat بن جي ٻلي

The jungle cat (Felis chaus) (Sindhi:بن جي ٻلي), is a medium-sized cat native from the South and Southeast Asia. It inhabits foremost wetlands like swamps, littoral and riparian areas with dense vegetation. In the 1930s, Pocock newly described six larger skins from Sind as F. c. prateri.

## Lynx جهنگلي ٻلو

James A. Murray stated that lynxes (Sindhi:جهنگلي ٻلو) were also found in Sindh, likely related to the Eurasian species of lynx. Temminck noted that this species hunts in packs, similar to wild dogs, chasing down their prey. Lynxes are often domesticated and trained to hunt peacocks, cranes, and smaller quadrupeds. Though there haven't been any encounters in recent times.

## Cheetah چِيتو

Cheetah also known as Hunting Leopard (Sindhi: چِيتو) is a cognate to word Sindh:چٽ (Chitre), meaning Spots. This in turn comes from Sanskrit: चित्रय (Chitra-ya) meaning 'variegated', 'adorned' or 'painted'. Cat is not that common in Sindh though but was encountered along the Indus' banks drinking water and occurs to live in Highlands same as a Common Leopard in Sindh.