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 jungle cat (Felis chaus), also called reed cat and swamp cat, is a medium-sized cat native to Asia. In India they are the most common of the small cats. They inhabit savannas, tropical dry forests and reedbeds along rivers and lakes in the lowlands, but, despite the name, are not found in rain forests. They do not survive well in cold climates, and are not found in areas where winter snowfall is common. They have been observed from sea levels to altitudes of 8000 ft (2400 m) or perhaps higher int he Himalayas. They frequent jungles or open country, and are often seen in the neighborhood of villages.

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC) Photo: Maria Teresa Cortes Garcia