Kaziranga as a Fishing Cat Stronghold

Kaziranga as a Fishing Cat Stronghold

ANALYSIS

• The first scientific assessment of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) has established Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve as a major stronghold of the species.

• The study was conducted using camera-trap images from the All-India Tiger Estimation data by Kaziranga’s Tiger Cell in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Project.

• A total of 57 unique individuals were identified across more than 450 sq. km, indicating:

– A healthy and reproducing population

– Wide distribution across the tiger reserve

– Possible underestimation due to tiger-focused camera grid design

• The fishing cat is classified as Globally Vulnerable and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (highest legal protection in India).

• The findings position Kaziranga as a critical conservation site for wetland-dependent carnivores in the Brahmaputra floodplains.

• Among floodplain ecosystems, Kaziranga has one of the highest recorded populations.

• Other major freshwater habitats:

– Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (35–51)

– Dudhwa National Park (35–51)

– Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (14–17)

– Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (12–14)

– Valmiki Tiger Reserve (6–7)• Major estuarine habitats:

– Sunderban Tiger Reserve (385)

– Chilika Lagoon (341)

– Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (83–115)

– Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (95–100)• Ecological significance:

– The fishing cat is one of the few felids adapted to aquatic hunting.

– Acts as an indicator of wetland ecosystem health.

– Symbolically known as “Meseka” in Assamese folklore.

• Threats:

– Habitat loss

– Hunting

– River modifications and climate change

– Global disappearances in Vietnam and Java highlight South Asia as its core population zone

• Optimal habitats include:

– Wet alluvial grasslands

– Shallow beels (wetlands)

– Wet meadows

– Woodland refugia aiding flood survival

• Conservation relevance:

– Strengthens importance of wetland conservation under climate stress.

– Highlights need for species-specific monitoring beyond tiger-centric conservation frameworks.

STATIC PARTFishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

• Indian Protection Status: Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• Habitat: Wetlands, floodplains, estuaries, mangroves

• Distribution: Primarily South Asia (India holds core population)

• Adaptation: Semi-aquatic hunter with partially webbed feet

Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve

• Located in Assam in the Brahmaputra floodplains

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Known for one-horned rhinoceros

• Grassland-wetland ecosystem with high biodiversity

Updated - 23 February 2026; 03:17 PM IST | News Source: The Hindu