The Asiatic wildcat has long been overlooked in conservation priorities, says wildlife biologist Sumit Dookia on the understudied species

The Asiatic wildcat, also known as the Indian desert cat, faces threats such as hybridisation of the species with the domestic cat, roadkills and expansion of infrastructure projects that fragments its habitat. In conversation with Mongabay-India correspondent Shuchita Jha, wildlife biologist Sumit Dookia who has been studying the Asiatic wildcat for over a decade discusses why the species hasn’t been a focal point in conservation priorities and possible ways to conserve the species.