The mammals are the class of vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands, the presence of hair or fur; specialized teeth; the presence of a neocortex region in the brain; and endothermic or 'warm-blooded' bodies. The brain regulates endothermic and circulatory system, including a four-chambered heart. In India there are 410 species, 186 genera, 45 families and 13 orders of which nearly 89 species are listed as threatened in the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 2006).

The rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is one of the cat family's smallest members, and is found only in India and Sri Lanka. The total effective population size is estimated at below 10000 mature individuals, with a declining trend due to habitat loss. In India, they were long thought to be confined to the south, but records have established that they are found over much of the country. They feed mainly on rodent and birds, but may also hunt lizards, frogs, and insects.

IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU) Photo: Terry Whittaker