Occupancy and activity pattern of Asiatic golden cat and terrestrial pheasants in Bhutan's Phrumsengla National Park

The ecological relationship between the polymorphic Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) and terrestrial pheasants, apparently threatened due to habitat degradation and hunting in Bhutan’s Phrumsengla National Park, has never been studied yet. This research, which assessed the occupancy and activity pattern of 5 polymorphic Asiatic golden cats and 4 terrestrial pheasants such as blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra), and kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) to determine their predator-prey relationship, has the potential to significantly impact conservation strategies. The images of 5 polymorphic Asiatic golden cats (n= 158) and 4 species of terrestrial pheasants (n=242) captured by infrared digital camera traps (n=24) from October 29^th, 2015, to March 13th, 2016, were analyzed using the CameraSweet programs. Our study revealed negligible predator-prey correlation in the occupancy of polymorphic felids and pheasants despite co-occurring across broadleaf through subalpine forests. On the contrary, the Chi-square test inferred a significant predator-prey relationship in the paired activity patterns of tightly-rosette (first ever recorded for Bhutan in 2015), golden and gray morphs with blood pheasant, thus suggesting it as a potential prey base. Feral dogs that appeared to form predator guild must be decimated to reduce food competition with Asiatic golden cats and prevent the potential risk of transmitting canine distemper and rabies. We recommend reviewing the protection status of pheasants and Asiatic golden cats and delving into the diet composition of polymorphic cats to gain critical insights into formulating an effective conservation strategy amid growing anthropogenic pressure in Phrumsengla National Park.