Rare encounters: Jungle Cat Felis chaus Schreber, 1777 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in the lower reaches of the Jordan River, Jordan

Abstract

The Jungle Cat Felis chaus is classified as critically endangered in Jordan due to its limited distribution and presumed population decline. We present new evidence for its presence in the lower Jordan River region, where it was recorded opportunistically during a monitoring program focused on the Golden Jackal Canis aureus. Five photographs of the Jungle Cat were obtained between June 2020 and February 2022, primarily during night-time and early morning hours. In view of these findings, we recommend urgent implementation of conservation measures, including other effective area-based conservation measures, particularly in military-controlled zones with limited accessibility where confirmed sightings occurred.