Fishing Cat

The fishing cat is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Fishing cat populations are threatened by destruction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade. Fishing cats are generally found in wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps and mangrove forests. Their habitat is also linked with species of rodents that they eat, particularly the sensu lato (Rattus rattus). In some parts of the fishing cat's range, these rodents intersect with areas that are rapidly urbanizing. Fishing cats have an olive grey coat. From the top of the eyes to the base of the neck are 6-8 black stripes. Running in lines along the back of these animals are black spots. The head is darker in colour when compared to the rest of the body. Little is known about fishing cats in the wilderness, but it is thought that they have no natural predators, other than humans. Fishing cats mainly eat fish but also dine on other prey found in the water, including crabs, crayfish, and frogs.

Scientific name: Prionailurus viverrinus

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing)

Mass: 19 lbs (Adult)

Trophic level: Carnivorous

Length: 2.6 ft. (Adult)

Gestation period: 71 days

Family: Felidae