BARDIYA: Local youths in Khushalpur, Thakurbaba Municipality-9, have launched a community-based initiative to conserve the rusty-spotted cat, the world’s smallest wild cat, through sustainable farming and public awareness.

As part of the campaign, a one-day organic farming training was organized to encourage pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, compost production, soil management and other sustainable agricultural practices aimed at reducing communities’ dependence on nearby forests.

The program was jointly supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Mongolia-Burjger Zoological Conservation Foundation (MBZSCF) and the Rusty-spotted Cat Working Group.

Local conservationist Ramjan Chaudhary (‘Rajan’) said 14 residents participated in the training, which sought to promote community self-reliance while strengthening awareness of wildlife conservation.

Veterinarian Ashish Chaudhary said expanding household kitchen gardens could reduce human pressure on forests, helping protect wildlife habitats and lower the risk of forest fires. Participants were also trained on wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts and the role of local communities in protecting the rusty-spotted cat and its prey species.

The rusty-spotted cat was first photographically recorded in Bardiya National Park in 2012 (2069 BS). The species is naturally found only in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, making it one of the world’s rarest small wild cats. Local conservationists say protecting its habitat through community participation is vital as biodiversity faces growing global threats.