Wildlife Conservation

Fishing Cat: Wetland Specialist in Peril

Fishing cats are medium-sized wild cats that live in wetlands across South and Southeast Asia, where rapid habitat loss threatens their survival.

Key Facts

Fishing cats are strong swimmers with partially webbed front feet
They dive into water to catch fish — rare among felids
Wetland conversion to agriculture and aquaculture ponds is the primary threat
Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN; some populations may be Endangered
Retaliatory killing by fish farmers creates human-wildlife conflict

Welfare Considerations

Habitat loss compresses fishing cat territories, increasing territorial conflict and reducing prey availability. Human-wildlife conflict results in trapping, snaring, and shooting. Fishing cats caught in snares set for other animals suffer severe leg injuries and prolonged stress before dying or being rescued.

What You Can Do

Support Fishing Cat Research Alliance habitat protection programs
Advocate for wetland conservation legislation in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh
Donate to organizations that compensate fish farmers for losses to reduce retaliation
Promote fish farming practices that deter cats without lethal means