Kaziranga Emerges as Fishing Cat Stronghold

The first scientific assessment of the fishing cat (“Prionailurus viverrinus”) has identified Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve as a major stronghold of the globally vulnerable species. The study, based on camera-trap images from the all-India tiger estimation exercise, recorded 57 unique individuals across more than 450 sq. km of the reserve. The findings were published on February 22, observed as Fishing Cat Day.

The assessment was conducted by Kaziranga’s Tiger Cell in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Project. The objective was to determine whether the elusive wetland carnivore was rare or common in Kaziranga, widely known for its one-horned rhinoceros population.

Status of the Fishing Cat in India

The fishing cat is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Adapted for aquatic hunting, it inhabits wetlands, floodplains, mangroves and marshes. In Assam, it is locally known as “Meseka” and features in folklore as a symbol of ecological health.

The study suggests a healthy, reproducing population widely distributed across Kaziranga. However, researchers note the estimate could be conservative, as the camera-trap grid was designed primarily for tigers.

Population Trends Across Key Habitats

Data compiled under the Fishing Cat Project show Kaziranga holds the highest population in the Terai floodplain landscape. Other significant freshwater habitats include Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar.

Among estuarine ecosystems, the Sunderban Tiger Reserve in West Bengal supports the largest known population, followed by Chilika Lagoon and Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.

Wetland Specialist Facing Threats

The fishing cat is one of the few felids specialised for aquatic environments. It depends on wet alluvial grasslands, shallow beels, wet meadows and woodland refuges that provide shelter during floods. South Asia holds the species’ global core population, particularly in lowland river basins.

Important Facts for Exams

• The fishing cat is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Kaziranga National Park lies in the Brahmaputra floodplains of Assam.
• The species is adapted for aquatic hunting among felids.

Conservation Significance Amid Climate Change

Experts emphasise that tracking wetland carnivores is vital amid climate change and river modifications affecting freshwater biodiversity. With documented disappearances in parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Java, Kaziranga’s role as a refuge in the Brahmaputra floodplains strengthens India’s responsibility in conserving this critical wetland species.