A recent initiative by the Odisha Government has brought attention to an often overlooked species: the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus). Despite being twice the size of a domestic cat and possessing unique habits, there remains much to discover about these elusive creatures. This article offers a comprehensive look at the life, habitats, threats, and conservation efforts surrounding the Fishing Cat.
Fishing Cat: A Unique Creature of the Night
Named for its unique hunting habits, the Fishing Cat is an intriguing nocturnal mammal that feeds primarily on aquatic life. However, its diet is not limited to fish; it also includes frogs, crustaceans, snakes, birds, and even scavenged carcasses of larger animals. These cats are adaptable breeders, capable of reproducing at any time of the year. Fishing Cats spend most of their lives in areas with dense vegetation situated near water bodies, displaying admirable swimming skills.
Preferred Habitats in India
In India, these unusual felines are typically found in mangrove forests such as the Sundarbans, along the foothills of the Himalayas within the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys, and within the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats. All these places provide the essential combination of dense vegetation and close proximity to water bodies, which is integral to the survival of the species.
Threats to Fishing Cats
Fishing Cats face numerous threats that are severely impacting their populations. Habitat destruction, for instance, poses a grave danger due to the constant decimation of wetlands, their preferred environment. Shrimp farming, a rapidly growing industry, also poses considerable challenges since it leads to the destruction of mangrove habitats.
Hunting for meat and skin is another issue, along with ritual practices by tribal hunters that occur year-round. Poaching for their skins is a further source of concern, as is the indiscriminate trapping, snaring, and poisoning. All these issues have contributed to the population decline of this unique feline species.
Fishing Cats’ Protection Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List recently downgraded the Fishing Cat’s status from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable”. The species is also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In India, the Cat receives protection under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Conservation Efforts: From West Bengal to Odisha
There has been a growing movement towards the conservation of the Fishing Cat. Started in 2010, the Fishing Cat Project began raising awareness about the species in West Bengal. This led the West Bengal Government, in 2012, to officially declare the Fishing Cat as its State Animal. In addition, the Calcutta Zoo now houses two large enclosures dedicated to these cats.
In Odisha, multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and wildlife conservation societies are intensively involved in research and conservation efforts for the Fishing Cat. Most notably, a two-year conservation project has been launched in Bhitarkanika National Park. These initiatives highlight the increasing importance placed on preserving and understanding these fascinating creatures.
