Bangladesh observes World Fishing Cat Day for the first time today

The elusive fishing cat, often mistaken for a small tiger due to its spotted coat, is facing a critical survival crisis in Bangladesh due to habitat destruction and human conflict.

To raise awareness and promote conservation efforts, the Forest Department has announced that, for the first time, Bangladesh will officially observe World Fishing Cat Day on 1 February, in line with global celebrations.

Various awareness programmes have been planned across the country to educate people on the importance of protecting this species.

World Fishing Cat Day was established in 2016 by the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance (FCCA), a group of researchers and conservationists dedicated to studying and protecting fishing cats.

A misunderstood predator at risk

The fishing cat, a medium-sized wild cat, is known for its greyish-yellow fur with black stripes. It closely resembles a tiger cub, which has often led to fear-driven killings by locals.

Fishing cats are unique and closely associated with wetlands. Weighing a maximum of 15kg, they are slightly bigger than domestic cats and have a preference for a fish-dominated diet.

They are among the few feline species that thrive in aquatic environments. Nocturnal in nature, they possess webbing between their toes, enabling them to catch fish efficiently. They are excellent swimmers and primarily feed on fish, ducks, poultry, rodents, rabbits, and small birds.

However, their remarkable adaptations have not shielded them from a human-driven extinction crisis.

Chattogram Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Dipannita Bhattacherjee said, "The rapid destruction of wetlands, which are purposefully being filled, polluted and converted, is a major threat [to fishing cats].

"Over-exploitation has already depleted natural fish stocks, their regular food source. As a result of the destruction, it became a conflict species, for they are compelled to catch fish from farms."

She added, "As the fishing cat comes into contact with humans, locals often mistake it for a tiger or a tiger cub, chase it, and beat it to death. Fishing cats are also killed by poisoned bait, or they are trapped only to be killed afterwards. This has placed the species under serious threat, disrupting the ecosystem and endangering biodiversity."

Fishing cats are found across Bangladesh, but their population has been steadily declining due to habitat loss and poaching. The species is already endangered in the country, having lost nearly half of its population in just 10 years. Their area of occupancy can be as little as 500 sq km, and the number of mature individuals may be as low as 2,500.

The rapid expansion of commercial fish and duck farming in almost all wetlands in Bangladesh has further driven the decline of the fishing cat population. Between 2010 and 2013, at least 30 fishing cats were killed, and a recent database records approximately 600 conflict-related incidents.

The Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Department in Chattogram has documented at least 50 such cases in the past five years.

Why conserve fishing cats?

Experts warn that the extinction of the fishing cat could have severe consequences for Bangladesh's biodiversity. As a top predator in wetland ecosystems, the species plays a crucial role in controlling populations of prey such as rodents and fish. Without this natural balance, ecosystems could collapse, leading to significant environmental repercussions.

Fishing cats serve as key indicators of wetland health, with their presence signifying a thriving ecosystem. Their decline could disrupt ecological stability, affecting various species that depend on these habitats.

Dipannita Bhattacherjee said, "As apex predators, fishing cats regulate prey populations, preventing the overpopulation of species such as fish and rodents, which in turn supports overall biodiversity."

"The conservation of fishing cats is also vital for local communities that depend on wetlands for fishing and agriculture, as a stable ecosystem ensures sustainable livelihoods," she added.

She further noted, "Additionally, wetlands serve as natural buffers against climate change by storing carbon and controlling floods. Protecting fishing cats means safeguarding wetlands, which in turn helps combat climate change and sustain the environment for future generations."

Conservation measures and legal protections

The fishing cat is classified as a vulnerable species worldwide and is protected under Bangladesh's Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. It is also listed in the CITES agreement, which regulates international trade in endangered species.

Abu Naser Mohammad Yasin Newaz, Divisional Forest Officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Chattogram, said, "Since 2003, the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Chattogram has recorded the rescue of over 50 fishing cats from areas such as Rangunia, Hathazari, Raozan, Sitakunda, Boalkhali, Anwara, Banshkhali, and Lama.

"Most rescued animals are released into nearby wetland habitats, while injured or sick cats receive treatment at Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox's Bazar before being reintroduced into the wild."

He added, "In 2020, a landmark case filed by the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Banshkhali resulted in the conviction of four individuals for publicly killing a fishing cat.

"The Chattogram Judicial Magistrate Court sentenced them to a fine of Tk10,000 each or 20 days of imprisonment, marking the first legal action taken against the killing of this endangered species in Bangladesh."

Public awareness and future steps

To promote fishing cat conservation, the Forest Department has launched a campaign under the slogan, "If people are aware, fishing cats will be conserved."

Abu Naser Mohammad Yasin Newaz said, "In line with this initiative and directed by Adviser to the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Bangladesh will officially observe National Fishing Cat Day on 1 February for the first time, with awareness programmes and community engagement activities planned nationwide."

Conservationists emphasise that protecting the fishing cat is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a healthy environment.