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Roar & Rove

Fishing Cat

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 10-12 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 15 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 57-78 cm (22-31 inches), with an additional tail length of about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches).
  • Height at Shoulder: Around 38-41 cm (15-16 inches)
  • Weight: Approximately 5-16 kg (11-35 lbs)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found primarily in Sri Lanka, but also present in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.
  • Habitat: Prefers wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and mangrove forests. Also found along rivers and streams in tropical forests and dense vegetation near water bodies.
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Diet
  • Fish: The main component of its diet, caught with its webbed paws.
  • Amphibians: Including frogs and other water-dwelling creatures.
  • Crustaceans: Such as crabs and crayfish found in and around water bodies.
  • Birds: Both waterfowl and other bird species found near wetlands.
  • Small Mammals: Such as rodents, which it catches along the water’s edge.
  • Reptiles: Including small snakes and lizards.
Sri Lankan Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

The Sri Lankan Fishing Cat is a remarkable and elusive wild cat native to the wetlands and dense forests of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its aquatic hunting prowess and distinctive physical features, this feline is a unique member of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.

Physical Characteristics: The Sri Lankan Fishing Cat is a medium-sized wild cat, measuring about 57-78 cm (22-31 inches) in length, with a short tail of around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches). Weighing between 6-16 kg (13-35 lbs), it is well-built for hunting in water. Its fur is a coarse grayish-brown, patterned with dark spots and stripes, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The cat has webbed feet, a key adaptation for swimming and catching prey in water, and a broad, flat head with small rounded ears.

Habitat: This fishing cat thrives in wetland environments, including marshes, swamps, rivers, and mangroves. It is also found in dense tropical forests and grasslands adjacent to water bodies. The rich and diverse ecosystems of Sri Lanka, including protected areas and national parks, offer an ideal habitat for this semi-aquatic feline.

Diet: The diet of the Sri Lankan Fishing Cat primarily consists of:

  • Fish: The mainstay of its diet, caught expertly in water.
  • Amphibians: Including frogs and other aquatic creatures.
  • Crustaceans: Such as crabs and crayfish.
  • Small mammals: Occasionally rodents and other small terrestrial animals.
  • Birds: Waterfowl and other birds that inhabit wetland areas.

Its hunting strategy involves wading or swimming in water to catch prey, using its keen eyesight and acute sense of hearing.

Behavior: The Sri Lankan Fishing Cat is predominantly nocturnal and solitary, with each individual maintaining a distinct territory marked by scent. It is an excellent swimmer, often seen diving to catch fish. This cat communicates through various vocalizations, body postures, and scent markings. Despite its elusive nature, it plays a crucial role in the wetland ecosystems by controlling fish and amphibian populations.

Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lankan Fishing Cat is classified as Vulnerable (VU), with habitat loss and fragmentation posing significant threats to its population. Conservation efforts are critical to protect and preserve the wetland habitats that are essential for the survival of this species.

Lifespan: In the wild, the Sri Lankan Fishing Cat typically lives between 10-12 years, but can live up to 15 years in captivity under proper care and management.