The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia, who resides in the vicinity of wetlands, along rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, in swamps, and mangroves. They are adept swimmer and enters water frequently to prey on fish as its name suggests. It is known to even dive to catch fish. The fishing cat is nocturnal and apart from fish also preys on frogs, crustaceans, snakes, birds, and scavenges on carcasses of larger animals. One of the major threats facing the fishing cat is the destruction of wetlands, which is its preferred habitat. As a result of human settlement, drainage for agriculture, pollution, and wood-cutting most of the wetlands in India are under threat of destruction. Another threat to the fishing cat is depletion of its main prey-fish due to unsustainable fishing practices. It is also occasionally poached for its skin. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and their conservation process is yet to gather steam under the shadow of conservation of Big Cats

Edition : 15/15

Title : Fishing Cat - The Endangered One

Artist : Arijit Mondal

Location : Sundarban Bio-Reserve, West Bengal, India

Date : 2022

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