In the wetlands and mangroves of South and Southeast Asia, a secretive wild cat prowls the shallows. With partially webbed paws and a love for water, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a master angler, able to dive, swim and catch fish in the blink of an eye. But its greatest fight today isn’t for its next meal — it’s for survival.
Fishing cats are disappearing. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the species is being pushed into increasingly fragmented habitats due to rapid development, land-use change, and wetland destruction driven by agricultural expansion. In Thailand, for example, abandoned lands —critical habitats where fishing cats rest, breed and raise their young — are increasingly being cleared and developed due to economic drivers, presenting an urgent and emerging threat to the species.
In countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and Bangladesh, encounters between people and fishing cats are on the rise as rice paddies and fish farms expand into the cats’ shrinking territory. Locals often view these elusive felines as fish thieves, and without awareness or alternatives, the conflict can turn deadly.
Complicating matters further, fishing cats live almost entirely on private land, meaning their protection depends on collaboration with local communities.
But here’s the twist: These water-loving felines aren’t just after fish — they’re also excellent rodent hunters. A 2024 study analyzing fishing cat scat in Thailand found rodents make up about 25% of their diet. In agricultural landscapes, this makes them unexpected allies.
In rice paddies and oil palm plantations, rats can be serious pests, capable of destroying entire harvests. In just one night, a single fishing cat may catch multiple rodents — offering natural pest control for farmers who may otherwise see them as a threat.
In interviews conducted by Panthera field staff, local community members expressed genuine appreciation for the fishing cat’s role in controlling rat populations.
Unfortunately, fishing cats also face other growing threats. Prey depletion is a major issue, as unsustainable fishing practices and pollution in waterways reduce the fish stocks both communities and cats rely on. Overfishing leaves wetlands empty, pushing cats toward human-managed ponds or fields where they risk retaliation.
Wetlands also face additional threats such as chemical residues from intensive shrimp farming. For example, an analysis of fishing cat feces revealed a microplastic prevalence of approximately 20%. As top predators in shared ecosystems, risks to fishing cats often reflect wider environmental threats faced by local people.
It’s a delicate balance — but one with real potential.
At Panthera, we’re working with local partners to tip that balance toward coexistence. Through community education, research and conflict mitigation, we’re helping people recognize fishing cats not as fish-stealing foes, but as wetland protectors and pest control pros.
Because when the ecosystem is healthy, both cats and communities win.
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© Sebastian Kennerknecht
