I've seen a lot of good articles written by other people on the Owlcation website. Image of habitat, captivity, small - 33283737 The animal has black stripes on its face, back of its head, and upper neck. இڿڰۣ-- кιмвєяℓєу from Niagara Region, Canada on February 09, 2015: To be honest, I've never heard of this species of cat before reading your hub today. Hopefully you'll be able to see a fishing cat in the future. It is brown or grey with black dots, and there are black stripes on its forehead. I love cats including the big wild ones, lions, leopards, cheetah, tiger, serval etc., to thank you for adding the fishing cat to my store of knowledge. It has muscular build, which goes along with short legs, on which claws are visible. Geri MIleff from Czech Republic on March 14, 2014: Thank you for writing this article. Thank you very much for the visit and comment. This association is a nonprofit organization that works for animal conservation, scientific research, public education, and public recreation. In some places, fishing cats have been killed for their pelts or for their meat. Good luck with your report. #Wetlands and the # Fishing Cat The elusive Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), known as ‘Mecho Biral’ in Bengali, is the # State Animal of West Bengal. It also sprays odoriferous urine. what are the main reasons for them becoming endangered? It also sprays odoriferous urine. km (although females often have ranges … But the aggression that male fishing cats exhibit and their relative rarity in captivity precludes the possibility of … It's a beautiful animal. At my age, I may have forgotten more than I ever knew! Some people are trying to increase the number of fishing cats by means of captive breeding programs. Researchers now say that the feet of some other cats that don't enter water have just as much webbing as a fishing cat's feet. I am in a contest for raising Awareness for endangered animals! I'd never heard of this animal before. Debra Allen from West By God on March 06, 2014: It is a myth that all cats don't like water. FlourishAnyway from USA on February 09, 2015: Terrific hub, and a perfect selection for HOTD! They are extremely strong and able swimmers and can swim huge distances, often while pursuing a fish. Hi, Kim. Stronger conservation efforts are needed to reverse the rapidly declining numbers of the fishing cat due to loss of its preferred wetland habitats. According to a stool analysis, fish forms about seventy-five percent of its diet. I'd love to read it! The fishing cat lives foremost in the vicinity of wetlands, along rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, in swamps, and mangroves. Sad but true. Thanks for the visit. The domestic cat and the leopard cat are commonly crossbred in captivity, and the fishing cat is not that distantly related to the leopard cat. Humans are the only predator of the fishing cat. Unfortunately, when their usual habitat has been destroyed or has become unusable, some fishing cats have increased their predation on livestock. Great hub, Alicia....an outstanding HOTD...congrats. They are wonderful and fascinating animals. When the opportunity arises, they will feed on the dead bodies of domestic cattle. They communicate with hisses, meows, and staccato growls. Zoos are keeping careful records of their animals and are exchanging cats to create breeding pairs. Fishing cats are one of the best swimmers around and are completely at home in the water. The animal dives into water to catch fish and scoops prey out of the water with its paws. As you can see from my profile, I'm a qualified biology teacher with a university degree. The fishing cat population is widely distributed but discontinuous. Thanks so much, Bill! This definitely changes that. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on March 31, 2014: Thank you very much, CyberShelley. Making a splash: Cats dont like water, and they definitely dont swim, right? The animals have an elongated face, small ears that are positioned far back on their head, short legs, and a short tail. Crisco 1492, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 License. It would have been great to have identified the cat. When I was growing up in Pakistan (1970s-80s), we used to have riverine/riparian forests in the southern Sindh province and frequent reporting of fishing cats. but annoying haha i should do a hub on him sometime! Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on February 09, 2015: What an interesting creature. The species has a variable coat colour but has spots on its body and a striped head like the fishing cat. A system of hisses, guttural growls and meows is used by these cats to communicate. Size and Appearance: A stock and powerfully built cat, with short legs, a big broad head and a short tail. The goal of the SSP program is to carefully manage and conserve endangered animals. And thought I was familiar with most kinds. The change in Red List category is a non-genuine change reflecting the very recent increase in information quality; it does not indicate an improved conservation status for the species since the last assessment. The fishing cat's coat is a camouflaged gray-brown with distinctive black spots and stripes. It would be sad if they disappeared from the planet. Although some observations have been made in the wild, most of our knowledge of fishing cat reproduction comes from the study of captive animals. Thanks. Congrats on HOTD also! Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment, Flourish! This should be a wake up call. The coarse fur is olive-grey with dark spots arranged in horizontal streaks running along the length of the body. That trip to Australia must have been wonderful. I hope it's saved, too! The coat of the fishing cat is pale gray to deep brownish gray and marked with dark spots and streaks. You're a great writer, Linda. They weigh between eleven and thirty-five pounds, with males generally being much heavier than females. More About the Fishing Cat Physical Appearance. I agree - the fishing cat is beautiful! Congratulations on earning Hub of the Day for this well researched, and well written article. Thank you very much for the comment, eilval. Congratulations on the Hub of the Day. Question: Do fishing cats help keep fish from overpopulating? We must continue to support global conservation efforts to protect endangered species like these cats which are at risk of going extinct. The species hasn't been domesticated, even though it's found in captivity. Research on the fishing cat began only in 2009, but it is already believed to be extinct in Vietnam and on the island of Java; meanwhile, there are no confirmed records in Laos PDR and scarce information from Myanmar and Thailand. They are seen in marshes, reed beds, sluggish rivers, streams, lakes, tidal creeks, and mangrove swamps. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on October 31, 2017: Hi, Kittycatwild. Fishing Cat . The fishing cat is the largest member of the Prionailurus genus, a group of small wild cats that can be found in Asia and include the leopard cat, Sunda leopard cat, flat-headed cat, and rusty-spotted cat. I know how you feel. Laws are not always obeyed. In 2008, the grouped the angling feline as Endangered since they are packed essential in wetland natural surroundings, which are progressively being settled, debased and changed over. It's ears seem small for a cat. I agree - the fishing cat is a unique and very interesting animal. What a wonderful creature and a superb hub on this glorious cat. There are no recent records indicating that the animals still survive in these areas. Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on February 09, 2015: Fascinating creature with some amazing skills. It looked more like this cat. Wetlands and the Fishing CatThe elusive Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), known as ‘Mecho Biral’ in Bengali, is the State Animal of West Bengal. Thank you very much for the congratulations, Mary. Thank you very much for the visit and the congratulations, Peg. Commendable work by BONGAON GREEN WAVE..kudos to the team behind the successful rescue operation.. Our sincere thanks to SDPO Mr. Asesh Bikram Dastidar, Mrs Niranjita Mitra DFO 24 Pgns North & WB Forest Department # fishingcat # savethefishingcat # conservation Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on October 28, 2017: I'd love to see a fishing cat in the wild, too. This was a really fascinating read. I'd like to see one of these beautiful cats. Hi, mySuccess8. I think the fishing cat is both interesting and beautiful! They are about twice the size of a domestic cat and have a stocky, muscular build with medium to short legs. and measure between 25 and 34 in. The fishing cat was notified as the state animal of Bengal in 2012. The paws of fishing cats have another interesting feature. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on August 08, 2017: This sounds like a very interesting experience. Humans are also damaging wetlands by pollution and excessive fishing, hunting, and woodcutting. Hi, Patricia. I did not get a look at the face but got a good look at the body which was mottled with browns tans black and white. The evidence does suggest that the animals are decreasing in number, however. They were thought to have webbed feet, but the membrane which separates the toes giving an appearance of webbed feet is no more developed in the fishing cat … Fishing cat populations are threatened by destruction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade. Fishing cats are medium-sized felines. Conservation of wild fishing cats is important, but zoos could play a significant role in the survival of the species. The IUCN also says that estimates of the animal's population size are "very speculative". Good luck with your cat! They are slightly bigger in size than the common cats used as domestics pets. CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on March 06, 2014: Great hub on fishing cats Nell. Their body is muscular and stocky. Fishing cat populations are threatened by destruction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade. The scientific name of the fishing cat is Prionailurus viverrinus. While on my walk this morning at the Saugus Marsh, here in MA, I saw a large feline come out of the brush and cross the road. Photographer: OpenCage. I am a sri lankan and theres one roaming around my house :) naughty fellow, broke our window once. It is severely threatened because of the pollution and depletion of the water bodies. She loves to study nature and write about living things. Its coat is olive gray and is patterned with rows of parallel solid black spots, which often form stripes along the spine. I have seen the mangroves in Cambodia being cultivated once more to protect the species using them as habitats. Across their range, fishing cats occur in coastal and inland wetlands, near rivers and streams, in marsh areas, reed beds, tidal creeks and mangrove forests. A zoo that cares for its animals well and provides them with as natural an environment as possible can be useful in both education of the public and in breeding endangered animals, such as the fishing cat. One problem that has arisen in confirming the existence of the animals in a country is that other relatively small wild cats are sometimes misidentified as fishing cats, and vice versa. The kittens generally enter water for the first time when they are around two months old. I'd not heard of this cat before; at least I don't think so. If this animal is a pet, I’d be worried about the safety of that domestic cat. Hi, justthemessenger. It marks this territory by rubbing its cheeks or chin over an area, releasing a secretion from scent glands as it does so. Hi, peachpurple. Thank you very much, Writer Fox. The den is constructed in a patch of dense shrubs or reeds, a tree hollow, or a rock crevice. Photo about The fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus, portrait with green background. Of the FCWG conservationists, some are … Others have obtained food from fish ponds that have been established in wetland areas. The two species likely can hybridize. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on March 12, 2014: Thank you very much for the visit, truthfornow. Many beautiful and endemic animals are entering the endangered list all over the world. Their canine teeth come through at 11 months of age. It is very sad that so many animals are endangered. Hi, Blackspaniel1. :-). They look gorgeous. They reach their adult size when they are about eight months old. Animal Mammal Fishing Cat Information, Facts, Pictures and Puzzles (Image Info - Photo 1) In addition, they don't stop the destruction and degradation of wetlands. Their existence is not enough to save the species, however. Thank you very much for the comment. Of course, I'm prejudiced, as cats are my favourite animals! It's very sad that so many animals in the world are becoming endangered. Fishing cats are wonderful animals, as are so many other animals that are endangered. Linda Crampton is a writer and teacher with an honors degree in biology. The cat's population is classified as Vulnerable on the Red List established by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed and voted up! Researchers do know that the animals spend most of their time travelling beside watercourses, especially those that are slow moving. Its numbers are decreasing. I had not heard of a Fishing Cat before, therefore I learnt a lot by reading this well deserved "hub of the day" Hub, you deserved it. The Fishing cat, Prionailurus viverrinus is a medium sized wild cat found in South and South east Asian countries. How cool is that? In one study, a male was found to have a large territory that overlapped the smaller territories of several females. Fishing Cats have a discontinuous distribution in South East Asia, northern India and Sri Lanka. Fishing Cat Animals | Amazing Facts & Latest Pictures The Fishing Cat is a medium-measured wild feline of South and Southeast Asia. These have been established in both Europe and North America. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on August 27, 2014: Hi, ArtByLinda. I was the only person there and watched for nearly an hour as the fish were put in the pool and the fishing cat then went and hooked out his dinner. The water soon becomes a popular place to play and to hunt for living fish. I appreciate your visit and comment. The fishing cat is one of the lesser known wild cats. This was my introduction to the fishing cat and they are beautiful. Answer: That’s an interesting question. Thanks for introducing me to this fishing cat with its natural abilities and talents. Thanks for the comment and for sharing the interesting information, aesta1. Behavior. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The only question I have left is whether they have ever been domesticated or whether they remain "wild", even if brought up from kittenhood. Hi, Easy-Tasty-Recipe. The tail is used as a rudder during swimming. Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on February 09, 2015: I had to stop by and say congrats for the HOTD. The word mangrove also refers to the habitat in which the plants are growing. Mary Hyatt from Florida on February 09, 2015: Congrats on HOTD! Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on July 02, 2014: Thank you for the visit and the comment, VioletteRose. It's such a beautiful animal. Maree Michael Martin from Northwest Washington on an Island on February 09, 2015: A cat with webbed feet and not afraid of the water. I think the fishing cat is beautiful, too! Hi, kgmonline. The hairs next to the skin are short and arranged in a very dense layer that waterproofs the body and helps to keep it warm. Relationships for Life. I'm happy to meet another person who likes wild cats! If we don't watch it, the diappearence of wetlands will put we humans at risk for extinction. (Although I'm not a cat person, I'd make an exception.). Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on March 06, 2014: Hi, Lady Guinevere. The coat is made of two layers of hair. In the Philippines, many exotic animals are dwindling in numbers due to neglect and illegal pet trade. The word "cat" is sometimes used to refer to the animals in the family, including the fishing cat. I thought all cats disliked water, but I guess not. Stephanie Marie Severson from Atlanta, GA on February 09, 2015: That was an awesome hub. The underside is white, and the back of the ears are black … Very interesting hub. The animal has partially webbed feet. Thanks for the comment. A list of state animals of India is given below. Yes, habitat destruction is a serious situation for both animals and humans. Fishing cats also eat amphibians, reptiles, birds, small rodents, mollusks, and insects. It's been suggested that they are mimicking the tap of an insect on the water's surface to attract their prey. It's generally about the size of a domestic cat instead of larger than one. They are so unique. Congrats on Hub of the Day! Question: How many fishing cats are left in the wild? The backs of the ears have black hair with a white spot in the middle. I have never heard of barking cats before. if i were to write an essy on why you should help save endangered animals for this animal is this a good site to use. ;-). Fishing cats are in trouble because their habitat is rapidly disappearing. Thank you very much for the lovely comment and the congratulations, Faith! long. Appa Swamy and his Father with James from the Big Cat Sanctuary. Learning how to catch fish is an important skill for the youngsters to learn. I hope that the fishing cat population is protected, too. See Symbols of Indian states and territories for a complete list of all State characters and seals. After mating, the female builds a den in which to give birth. I appreciate your comment and congratulations. Thanks for bringing awareness about such a wonderful cat to all of us. Its cheeks have white highlights and black marks, and its eyes are ringed with white fur. Quite an interesting animal and so beautiful. I didn't know their existence is in danger in Asia. I hope the people will be able to preserve them for many generations to come. Fishing cats often enter the water to fish with their paws or to dive or swim underwater to catch their prey. Yeah they're that important. These cats range in size from 10 to 35 lbs. Lee John from Preston on February 09, 2015: Stunning hub as per usual! A Species Survival Plan Program (SSP) is a cooperative management program between accredited zoos belonging to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA. The status of the fishing cat in the wild is worrying. Hi, poetryman6969. The back and the sides of the cat have black spots. The fishing cat is a wild species that has some interesting methods for catching its prey. 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