The Asiatic desert cat (Felis Lybica Ornata) was observed in the Sulaiman Mountain Range, District Dera Ghazi Khan, on April 1, 2025.
Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, the chief of the Leghari tribes, confirmed a rare sighting of an Asiatic desert cat. This elusive feline, known for its sandy coat and ability to thrive in arid climates, is rarely seen in Pakistan.
Leghari, who photographed the cat, told Daily Dawn that he had not disclosed its location to protect it from threats such as illegal hunting and habitat disruption.
Leghari tribes' chief, who spotted the rare Asiatic desert cat in DG Khan’s Sulaiman Range, says conservationists are keeping the exact location undisclosed to protect it.https://t.co/Jj2yfanp3q
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) April 2, 2025Wildlife officials and researchers are both excited and cautious about a recent discovery. “This find is significant for Pakistan’s biodiversity, but we must proceed with caution,” said a conservationist. Leghari shared similar concerns: “If poachers or collectors learn its location, this cat could vanish forever.”
The Asiatic desert cat, a subspecies of the African wildcat, faces severe threats from habitat loss and human activities. Its presence highlights the importance of the Sulaiman Mountains as a sanctuary for endangered species.
Environmentalists are pressing for action. Leghari urged stricter anti-poaching laws and habitat protection, saying, “This sighting demands immediate steps.” Authorities are quietly monitoring the area to gather data without attracting attention.
The discovery highlights Pakistan’s rich yet fragile wildlife, a heritage teetering on the edge and needing urgent safeguards to prevent further extinctions.
