The fishing cat is a medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia. In India, this unique feline is primarily found in the wetlands of West Bengal, Odisha, and along the eastern coast.
These remarkable animals have adapted to an aquatic lifestyle with partially webbed feet that help them swim efficiently. Their diet consists mainly of fish, which they catch by tapping the water surface to mimic insects, then scooping the fish out with their paws.
In local Indian communities, the fishing cat plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of wetland ecosystems. However, habitat destruction and water pollution threaten their survival across India.
Conservation efforts are underway in several Indian states to protect the fishing cat\“s natural habitat and raise awareness about this fascinating animal\“s importance to local biodiversity. |
