The vulnerable fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus in Odisha, eastern India: status and conservation implications

Abstract

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cats across its range. Although its occurrence in Odisha, eastern India was reported c. 100 years ago, its current distribution, threats and conservation challenges are still poorly known. A biodiversity inventory performed in multiple parts of Odisha between 2008 and 2018 found the Fishing Cat in 20 new localities. The Fishing Cat distribution is confined to the coastal zone, from mangrove to swamps surrounded by rice fields, aquaculture farms and human habitations up to about 50 m above sea level. Road kill is an immediate threat but can be overcome by installing underpasses and signage on major roads. Wells in Fishing Cat habitats should be fitted with safety walls to avoid trapping. Community awareness of this species’ conservation is vital, as most of its habitats fall outside protected areas and are near human habitation. Targeted study of its population status, ecology and threats throughout known and potential localities is necessary to formulate a Fishing Cat conservation plan for Odisha.

Keywords:

• Fishing cat
• Prionailurus viverrinus
• small cats
• Bhitarakanika
• Chilika
• Odisha
• road kill

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Odisha Forest Department officials for sharing information on rescue of Fishing Cats in Odisha. Local villagers are highly acknowledged for their help during the field survey. We are thankful to Madhu Behera for allowing us to use his Fishing Cat sighting photograph in this report. We are also thankful to J. W. Duckworth and A. T. Qashqaei for their valuable suggestions concerning the manuscript improvement.