Fishing Cat
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
LC
Least concern
NT
Near threatened
VU
Vulnerable
EN
Endangered
CR
Critically endangered
EW
Extinct in the wild
EX
Extinct
Identity card
Class :
Mammals
Order :
Carnivores
Family :
Felids
Genus :
Prionailurus
Species :
viverrinus
Average size
57 to 85 cm long
Weight
5 to 16 kg
Longevity
12 years
Sexual maturity
8 to 10 months
Gestation
About 2 months
Litter
1 to 4 young
Diet
Carnivore
Fish, aquatic birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals...
Did you know?
The fishing cat, mainly nocturnal, is an excellent swimmer and climber. It hunts by ambush along riverbanks, striking with a quick paw swipe to catch fish and crustaceans. It also waits for the tide to recede to capture prey trapped in holes.
Threats and conservation
The fishing cat is mainly threatened by habitat loss, water pollution and illegal hunting. Several conservation projects have been put in place (Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance, Save the Fishing Cat…). These projects help combat poaching and protect wetland ecosystems, with the support of local communities.
