Fishing Cats by Sebastian Kennerknecht

 

Fishing Cats by Sebastian Kennerknecht One of the rarest cats in South and Southeast Asia, the unique fishing cat lives in the wetlands within and surrounding Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Thailand. These felines are specialized in hunting slippery prey like fish and frogs, with their partially webbed feet and non-retractable claws. As both traditional and industrial shrimp farms are encroaching on the habitat surrounding the national park, the question becomes if the cats can live within these modified landscapes. Researchers from the conservation organization Panthera are finding out by fitting fishing cats with satellite collars. - SK

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During a fishing cat collaring, all hands are on deck. These situations always highlight the extreme care the biologists have for their study animal. Everyone speaks in a whisper, is as efficient at taking measurements as possible, and cares about the well being of the cat more than anything else. This work provides much needed insight into how the fishing cats use the landscape, and how shrimp and fish farms affect these cats.

The biologists temporarily collar the cats to collect data on their home range size, how they use their habitat that is fragmented by the shrimp farms and fish ponds and what are the threats to their survival.  On the right Panthera biologist, Laurel Serieys teaching local team members about tracking cats.

Fishing cats live along the edges of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Thailand. This landscape is a mosaic of native wetland habitat, and shrimp or fish farms. The water ways, with lots of cover, allow the cats to hide, while hunting for their prey of fish, frogs, rodents and birds.

With high profits in industrial shrimp farms, understandably, comes the desire for more riches. Industrial shrimp farms are sprouting up everywhere around the Park. This only reduces fishing cat habitat even more.

Traditional shrimp farms are natural ponds that provide cover along their borders as well as in the water, and plenty of prey for fishing cats. They also don't use harmful chemicals. This is all in strong contrast to industrial shrimp farms. Most importantly to the majority of farmers they can make about six times the profit as a traditionally farmed shrimp.

This fishing cat shows us that coexistence with shrimp farmers is possible. He was using their hut as a scent-marking station and the farmers didn't mind. You as an individual can help ensure their coexistence with your money (especially in Thailand) if you choose to buy traditionally farmed shrimp (rather than industrially farmed shrimp). The fishing cat will continue to survive and thrive in the areas around Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park if the traditional shrimp farms are maintained and not taken over by industrial shrimp farming.

Ecotourism focused on fishing cats (left) and steps to protect local livestock with Panthera-sponsored fencing (right) helps raise education and support in the community about their local wild felines.

These cats face more threats than loss of habitat and hunting territory. Conservationist and park ranger holds confiscated snares for birds that can also trap the cats (left). Cat conservationist teaches park rangers how to set up Panthera's cameras to catch poachers who hunt the cats for food or their pelts. (right)