As anyone who owns a pet feline knows, cats generally don’t like water. There are exceptions, however, and the aptly named fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is one of them. This medium-sized wildcat is native to the wetlands and mangrove forests of South and Southeast Asia—India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand and so on—where it has developed an extraordinary ability to thrive in water-rich environments.
Unlike most cats, this one has several adaptations that make it a skilled swimmer, including webbed paws and a water-resistant coat. And, as the name suggests, their diet primarily consists of fish, which they catch using remarkable techniques such as tapping the water’s surface to mimic insect movements or diving completely underwater to snag their prey. This is complemented by a diet that also includes other aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures like frogs, crustaceans, and small rodents.
They also make a distinct vocalization that sounds almost like a duck quacking. All of these remarkable adaptations make the fishing cat a master of its aquatic dwellings.
Yet, despite their evolutionary prowess, fishing cats—and the myriad other species that share their habitat—are under severe threat. The wetlands that support this intricate web of life are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Asia Lost 32% Of It’s Natural Wetlands Between 1970 And 2015
This staggering loss of natural wetlands is largely driven by escalating demands for agriculture, aquaculture and the expansion of palm oil plantations. In Southeast Asia alone, over 100,000 hectares of vital mangrove forests have been cleared to accommodate these industries.
Mangroves, crucial for carbon sequestration and as buffers against storms and flooding, are being converted at an alarming pace. This destruction directly impacts the fishing cat population by reducing available habitat and prey species. Moreover, the fragmentation of these environments increases the vulnerability of fishing cats to human-wildlife conflicts, often leading to deadly encounters. One study finds that about 80% of the fishing cat’s predicted habitat overlaps with human-populated areas, including farms and settlements.
The Situation, For The Endangered Fishing Cat, Is Dire
In Java, Indonesia, where the fishing cat was once common, the last reported sighting was in the year 2000. This absence is particularly alarming, considering the fishing cat’s adaptability and previously widespread presence across the country’s wetlands.
Their elusiveness, while making precise population assessments difficult, typically allows them to survive in low-visibility environments. Yet, even accounting for their secretive nature, such a prolonged absence indicates a grim reality: The species may already be locally extinct in regions of Indonesia.
Experts also believe Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, once a home for fishing cats, can no longer support their kind owing to lack of sufficient mangrove forested regions. It is common practice in Vietnam, to convert Mekong Delta mangroves into surface water for supporting Vietnam’s $4 billion shrimp industry.
Saving The Fishing Cat Is Possible, But It Means Saving Our Wetlands First
The elusive nature of fishing cats makes direct conservation efforts targeting individual animals extremely challenging. These cats are hard to spot and occupy vast, often inaccessible wetland territories. The most effective way to ensure their survival is by focusing on preserving their natural habitats—wetlands and mangroves.
India is home to approximately 40% of the world’s fishing cat population, marking it as a critical region for the species’ conservation. Despite their significant presence, awareness about fishing cats remains remarkably low in India. However, concerted efforts by conservationists are starting to make a difference.
One notable initiative is the designation of the fishing cat as an ambassador species for Chilika Lake in Odisha, a Ramsar site recognized globally for its wetland conservation value. This strategic move has placed the fishing cat at the center of local conservation efforts, underscoring the importance of wetland habitats for wildlife and human livelihoods alike.
Conservationists are diligently working to build awareness about the fishing cat’s role in the ecosystem. This work extends beyond India. In Pakistan, a small team of dedicated conservationists under the guidance of the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance (FCCA) is pioneering efforts to enhance local ecosystems. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, conservationists are advancing mangrove reforestation projects, and in Sri Lanka, where fishing cat roadkill is a significant issue, measures are being taken to reduce it.
These local and international efforts showcase the global commitment to not only preserving a species but also maintaining the ecological balance of wetlands critical for our planet’s health.
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