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The Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. It is a threatened species whose population has declined severely over the last decade. Its scientific name comes from its viverrine or civet-like appearance rather than any adaptation for fishing.
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The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. It has a deep yellowish-grey fur with black lines and spots. Adults have a head-to-body length of 57 to 78 cm (22 to 31 in), with a 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) long tail.
Fishing cats are a solitary species, and are mainly nocturnal. They have white rings lining their eyes, illuminating them, allowing fishing cats to see better when hunting at night. Fishing cats feed on whatever is available, but this largely comprises of fish. In the wild fishing cats sit at the edge of bodies of water, and then either dive
- Appearance
- Morphology
- Adaptations
- Geographic range
- Distribution and habitat
- Habitat
- Diet
- Habits
- Behavior
- Offspring
- Reproduction
- Health
The fishing cat's coat is a camouflaged gray-brown with distinctive black spots and stripes. Six to eight black lines run from the cat's forehead to its neck, breaking up into shorter bars and spots on its shoulders. Its cheeks have white highlights and black marks, and its eyes are ringed with white fur. The ears are short and round, and the back ...
This cat is powerfully built with short limbs and a stocky body. Its head is round and elongated. Unlike many cats, fishing cats readily swim. Their front toes are partially webbed and their claws protrude slightly even when retracted. This facilitates the capture of prey, especially while underwater.
Another unique adaptation for their semiaquatic lives is the structure of their fur. A compact, dense layer of fur right against the cats skin is composed of tightly packed strands of hair, which prevents water from reaching the cats skin, keeping it warm in chilly waters. Long guard hairs protrude from this coat, giving the fishing cat its unique ...
The fishing cat's natural range is unknown, but it is currently found across South and Southeast Asia. The western reaches of its range extend into Pakistan, cutting east to Cambodia. The northern part of its range extends to the Himalayan foothills, which runs south to Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Reports of fishing cats are sporadic and, in a few cases, unreliable. But camera traps have confirmed their presence in some parts of their range, including some protected areas in India, along the coast of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The last recorded camera trap capture in Vietnam was in 2000. There are reports of f...
Fishing cats are generally found in wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps and mangrove forests. Their habitat is also linked with species of rodents that they eat, particularly the sensu lato (Rattus rattus). In some parts of the fishing cats range, these rodents intersect with areas that are rapidly urbanizing. Fishing cats can also be seen in cu...
Fishing cats are generalists, meaning they opportunistically feed on what is available. They primarily eat small mammals and fish. Birds also constitute a small portion of their diet. They have been observed eating shellfish, as well as other small prey, such as lizards and amphibians. They have also been known to feed on livestock, especially poul...
In the wild, these cats \"fish\" at the edge of bodies of water. They appear to scoop their prey from the depths of the water and have also been observed playing with fish in shallow water.
Little is known about the social structure of this species in the wild, but it is assumed that (like most other cats) they are primarily solitary, except for periods of breeding and rearing young.
One to four kittens are born after a gestation of about 65 days. Birthing occurs in the warmest part of the year. Kittens are born blind and are nursed by their mother until they are about 6 months old. They reach adult size at about 8 1/2 months old and usually leave their mother when they are about 10 months old.
They become sexually mature around 18 months. In human care, females exposed to natural daylight are reproductively active throughout the year and tend to cycle monthly. Some experience a pseudopregnancy period, where their hormones mimic a pregnancy and they do not cycle for about two months. Spontaneous ovulation in the females occurs about 57 pe...
Fishing cats can live into their late teens in human care. Life span in the wild is unknown but is presumably much shorter.
The fishing cat, Prionailurus viverrinus, is a highly elusive wild cat species found primarily in wetland and mangrove habitats with some populations in Sri Lanka having even been recorded in highly urbanised landscapes and montane forests.
Sep 14, 2023 · The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a unique and captivating species that is sadly classified as endangered. With their striking appearance and remarkable hunting abilities, these cats have caught the attention of researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
People also ask
What is a fishing cat?
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Why is a fishing cat called a civet?
Are fishing cats nocturnal or solitary?
Fishing cat facts: They are twice the size of a domestic house cat and are classed as a medium-sized wild cat. Fishing cats can be identified by their olive grey fur and horizontal black markings that cover their body; they also have white belly fur and white spots on the backs of their ears.
