Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has been identified as a significant stronghold for the endangered Fishing Cat, with researchers documenting at least 57 individual animals across more than 450 square kilometres of the park’s floodplain ecosystem. The findings mark the first scientific population assessment of the species in the globally renowned wildlife reserve.
The results were released on February 22 to coincide with Fishing Cat Day, alongside awareness campaigns and outreach initiatives highlighting the importance of conserving the species and its wetland habitats.
The study was carried out by the Tiger Cell of Kaziranga in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Project and scientist Tiasa Adhya. Researchers analysed camera-trap images originally captured during the All India Tiger Estimation programme, aiming to determine whether Fishing Cats were rare or common in Kaziranga and to establish a minimum population estimate.
Detailed scrutiny of the images confirmed the presence of at least 57 unique individuals of the species, scientifically known as Prionailurus viverrinus. Officials noted that since the camera traps were primarily deployed to monitor large carnivores such as tigers, the actual number of Fishing Cats in the park could be significantly higher.
The study establishes the first scientific benchmark for long-term monitoring of Fishing Cats in Kaziranga, providing a foundation for future conservation and research efforts.
Wetlands highlighted as critical habitat
Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga, said the findings underline the ecological importance of the park’s wetlands beyond its iconic megafauna.
“Kaziranga’s wetlands are proving to be critical habitat not just for rhinos and tigers, but also for specialised wetland predators like the Fishing Cat,” she said, emphasising the park’s broader role in biodiversity conservation.
Assam’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary also highlighted the significance of the discovery, noting that Kaziranga’s floodplain ecosystem supports one of the highest recorded populations of Fishing Cats in such landscapes.
Globally vulnerable species faces growing threats
Fishing Cats are classified as Vulnerable globally and are protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, which provides the highest level of legal protection. South Asia holds the core global population of the species, which depends heavily on lowland river basin wetlands for survival.
However, these habitats are increasingly under threat from encroachment, infrastructure development, altered river systems, and climate change. The species has already disappeared from parts of its historical range, including regions in Vietnam and Java.
Conservation milestone for Kaziranga
The findings reinforce Kaziranga’s importance not only as a sanctuary for flagship species like the one-horned rhinoceros and tiger but also as a vital refuge for lesser-known and specialised predators such as the Fishing Cat.
Officials and conservationists said the new population estimate represents a major step forward in understanding and protecting the species, while highlighting the need for continued efforts to safeguard wetland ecosystems critical to its survival.