Thriving Fishing Cat Population Found in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

A first-of-its-kind scientific assessment has revealed a thriving population of endangered Fishing cat across Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

The study was conducted by the Tiger Cell of Kaziranga in collaboration with scientist Tiasa Adhya, analysing camera-trap images from the All India Tiger Estimation data.

Key Findings

• 57 unique fishing cats identified across 450+ sq km.
• Evidence of a healthy, reproducing population.
• Cats widely distributed across the Tiger Reserve.
• Findings released on Fishing Cat Day (22 February 2026).

About the Fishing Cat

• One of the few wild felids adapted for aquatic hunting.
• Classified as Vulnerable globally due to habitat loss and hunting.
• South Asia holds the species’ core population, linked to wetland ecosystems.
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Habitat & Threats

Preferred habitats:

• Wet alluvial grasslands
• Shallow beels (oxbow lakes)
• Wet meadows
• Woodland refugia for flood survival

Threats:

• Wetland destruction
• Hunting
• Regional disappearances reported in places like Vietnam and Java.

Source: DTE