Twice in 12 hours: Rare encounter with marbled cats in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
July 23, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025
Twice in 12 hours: Rare encounter with marbled cats in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary

Earth

Tanvir Jubair
06 December, 2024, 05:05 pm
Last modified: 06 December, 2024, 05:13 pm

Related News

  • From image to inaction: The pitfalls of celebrating rare wildlife sightings in Bangladesh
  • Rescued Maya Horin fawn receives care at Ctg Zoo 
  • Nature's timeout: Sundarbans closed to all for three months for wildlife revival
  • 73 endangered turtles rescued in Noakhali; 1 detained
  • In a first, govt declares two wetlands as 'Wetland-Dependent Wildlife Sanctuaries'

Twice in 12 hours: Rare encounter with marbled cats in Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary

Standing at the intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary, the marbled cat's appearance is something that only nature can craft in the hidden corners of the world

Tanvir Jubair
06 December, 2024, 05:05 pm
Last modified: 06 December, 2024, 05:13 pm
A marbled cat photographed at Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary — 500 km west of its known range and below the 25-degree North Latitude. Photo: Tanvir Jubair
A marbled cat photographed at Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary — 500 km west of its known range and below the 25-degree North Latitude. Photo: Tanvir Jubair

It was 31 May 2024, a rainy day. By the time my travel companion Sajid Al Rafi and I reached the Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary, the rain had diminished to a drizzle. We rested for a while and went out for a short trek inside the sanctuary. 

It was almost 5pm. The stream we were traversing was dark. Local citizen scientist and guide, Md Nahidul Islam, joined the party. We were after the rarest of animals that call this extremely rugged forest of the Sitakunda Range - located in Fatikchari sub-district some 45 km north of the Chattogram port in south-eastern Bangladesh - its home. 

As the darkness descended, silence engulfed us. The sound of our footsteps echoed back into our ears, along with the whispers of a gentle cool breeze. After a while, the weather started to deteriorate again. I thanked myself for not bringing anything except my mobile phone and torch.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

The rain became unbearable, and we started to head back. We were seemingly marching at double speed, the beam of torchlights our only assistant, flickering here and there on the solid greenish-black walls of both sides of the stream. It was 7:20pm. 

Just before the gate of the forest department's rest house, the torch beam bounced on a Jarul tree. A pair of shiny eyes stared at us. We stopped immediately, our hearts missing a few beats. 

Our eyes were glued to the canopy; a cat-like small animal was sitting in the gap between the branches that spread like an umbrella. It stared at the three of us, unblinking and unflinching. For a moment, I felt a cold shiver sweep down my spine. 

To identify the animal properly, I positioned myself about eight feet away from the tree, steadied the torch, brought out my mobile and started recording. At this moment, the cat revealed itself, alert and about to disappear into the darkness. Then Sajid, who was next to me, shouted, "Marble! Marble! Marble!" Everyone was stunned to spot a marbled cat. 

The marbled cat’s slender body and large, expressive eyes are the tools of its trade, honed for nocturnal activities. Photo: Collected
The marbled cat’s slender body and large, expressive eyes are the tools of its trade, honed for nocturnal activities. Photo: Collected

The cat's name itself evokes images of a beautifully decorated pattern. And indeed, its coat is a masterpiece of nature. Its fur features a mesmerising blend of swirling dark lines and intricate spots that render it almost invisible amidst the dappled sunlight of its habitat. Standing at the intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary, the marbled cat's appearance is something that only nature can craft in the hidden corners of the world.

A creature of the shadows, the marbled cat prefers the cover of night and the depths of twilight. Its slender body and large, expressive eyes are the tools of its trade, honed for nocturnal activities. What truly sets this small feline apart, however, is its remarkable agility in the trees. With graceful leaps and acrobatic prowess, it navigates the branches with finesse, making it a true arboreal wonder.

None of us had any previous experience of encountering a marbled cat. The creature is extremely rare in Bangladesh, with less than five recorded encounters, and was first discovered only in 2014. Its population is distributed throughout the dense forests of the Lower Himalayas, Northeast India and Southeast Asia. 

Ground-dwelling kalij pheasants, a favourite prey of small and medium-sized wild cats, thrive in Hazarikhil’s lush habitat. Photo: Tanvir Jubair
Ground-dwelling kalij pheasants, a favourite prey of small and medium-sized wild cats, thrive in Hazarikhil’s lush habitat. Photo: Tanvir Jubair

Almost all records were either incidental encounters at wildlife trade or from the usage of remote monitoring technologies. Encountering one directly in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, making headlines among conservation communities and wildlife enthusiasts. And, the story did not end that evening. 

The next morning, the three of us decided to try our luck again, still stoked from the encounter. I crossed that Jarul tree. The weather was pretty good, the sweet morning sun beating down on the tea gardens and the surrounding streets. Suddenly, about 140-150 feet away, we spotted a marbled cat again, slowly strolling and crossing the gate of the tea garden. 

It was a grand entrance. Fortunately, the camera was in good hands, and Nahid immediately started pressing the shutter. The cat disappeared into the small bushes in a moment — it seemed like a kind of dream to us. Spotting a marbled cat twice within less than 12 hours! What more could any wildlife enthusiast ask for?  

Later, the species was spotted by several photographers and at regular intervals. It has yet to be confirmed whether there was one individual or many. Expert assessment of these photographs might help confirm their identities.

Squirrels form a staple diet for arboreal marbled cats. Photo: Tanvir Jubair
Squirrels form a staple diet for arboreal marbled cats. Photo: Tanvir Jubair

It is also the first time that the species has been discovered in the Hazarikhil Wildlife Sanctuary. From the globally known range of marbled cats, the forest lies about 500 km west, below the 25-degree North Latitude. 

The sanctuary spans about 30 sq km, but is contiguous with the Ramgarh-Sitakunda forests that are about 100 sq km wide. It is assessed as a category IV protected area, dedicated to wildlife species and habitat conservation by the International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN). 

The forest has never been surveyed properly. My fellow photographers' and my own experience, and local knowledge tells that the forest is a wildlife treasure trove, home to threatened carnivores like Clouded Leopards, Dholes, Asiatic Black Bears, and hoofed mammals like Serows. 

Last week, I was worried about a development project proposing a tourism centre at the sanctuary. The decision was reversed quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief. Hazarikhil holds countless hidden gems, and I hope it remains a sanctuary for wildlife and future discoveries.

Features

Wildlife / sanctuary

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Photo: CA Press Wing
    Stronger stance needed on maintaining law and order: Political parties to CA
  • Volunteers collect and gather parts of the wrecked plane from the Milestone School and College grounds on Tuesday, a day after the devastating aircraft crash. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
    Grief, angst and anger: The unbearable toll of Milestone crash
  • Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/TBS
    Secretariat protest: 75 injured in police-protester clash over edu adviser's resignation for delaying HSC rescheduling

MOST VIEWED

  • Screengrab/Video collected from Facebook
    CCTV footage shows how Air Force jet nosedived after technical malfunction
  • ISPR clarifies crashed plane was battle aircraft, not training jet
    ISPR clarifies crashed plane was battle aircraft, not training jet
  • The jet plane charred after crash on 21 July at the Milestone school premises. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
    Milestone plane crash: Death toll rises to 31 as nine more succumb to injuries
  • Students and police clash at Milestone School and College on 22 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    Protesting Milestone students clash with police, besiege law and education advisers
  • Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/TBS
    Secretariat protest: 75 injured in police-protester clash over edu adviser's resignation for delaying HSC rescheduling
  • Aerial view of the Milestone school premises where the crash took place on 21 July. Photo: Olid Ebna Shah/ TBS
    ‘Why here?’: Concerns expressed over airbase inside city

Related News

  • From image to inaction: The pitfalls of celebrating rare wildlife sightings in Bangladesh
  • Rescued Maya Horin fawn receives care at Ctg Zoo 
  • Nature's timeout: Sundarbans closed to all for three months for wildlife revival
  • 73 endangered turtles rescued in Noakhali; 1 detained
  • In a first, govt declares two wetlands as 'Wetland-Dependent Wildlife Sanctuaries'

Features

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS

Aggrieved nation left with questions as citizens rally to help at burn institute

10h | Panorama
Photo: TBS

Mourning turns into outrage as Milestone students seek truth and justice

4h | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

Uttara, Jatrabari, Savar and more: The killing fields that ran red with July martyrs’ blood

1d | Panorama
Despite all the adversities, girls from the hill districts are consistently pushing the boundaries to earn repute and make the nation proud. Photos: TBS

Ghagra: Where dreams rise from dust for Bangladesh women's football

2d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

What information did the director of the NBPSI give about the admitted patients?

What information did the director of the NBPSI give about the admitted patients?

3h | TBS Today
What is discussed at the Chief Advisor's meeting?

What is discussed at the Chief Advisor's meeting?

3h | TBS Today
Two advisors and press secretary were blocked at Milestone for 8 hours

Two advisors and press secretary were blocked at Milestone for 8 hours

3h | TBS Today
Chief advisor's meeting with 4 parties; what was discussed?

Chief advisor's meeting with 4 parties; what was discussed?

3h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net