Assam: Kaziranga puts spotlight on endangered Fishing Cat, over 50 recorded inside the national park

Kaziranga’s lesser-known predator took centre stage on Sunday, February 22, as conservationists, researchers and policymakers came together to spotlight the endangered Fishing Cat, a species quietly surviving in the wetlands of Assam but facing mounting threats across its habitat range.

Fishing Cat (Mecheka) Day was observed with a day-long programme at Bokakhat JDSG College under the initiative of Kaziranga National Park, marking a significant push to strengthen awareness and conservation efforts around the elusive wetland hunter.

To promote the conservation and protection of the endangered Fishing Cat, park authorities organised a series of awareness programmes involving students from various schools in Bokakhat. The initiative aimed at sensitising young minds to the ecological importance of the species, which is known for its remarkable adaptation to aquatic habitats and its skill in hunting fish — a rare trait among wild cats.

As part of the outreach, a painting competition was conducted to encourage students to creatively engage with the theme of wildlife conservation. The event sought to build a deeper emotional connection between the younger generation and the fragile ecosystems that sustain such species.

An open public meeting held on the college premises drew park officials, wildlife researchers and members of several nature-based organisations. Researchers studying the Fishing Cat revealed that more than 50 individuals have so far been recorded within Kaziranga — a significant number that underscores the park’s importance as a critical habitat for the species.

Officials informed that rare visuals of the Fishing Cat have been captured through camera traps originally installed to monitor tiger movement. These images have provided valuable insights into the animal’s movement patterns and behaviour within the park’s wetland landscape.

A documentary showcasing the habitat, movement patterns and distinctive hunting techniques of the Fishing Cat was screened during the programme in the presence of distinguished guests and conservation stakeholders.

Member of Parliament from the Kaziranga Lok Sabha constituency, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, attended the programme and delivered a goodwill address. He lauded the initiative taken by park authorities and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in protecting endangered species and preserving Assam’s rich biodiversity.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of the student painting competition, reinforcing the message that conservation begins with awareness and education.

With over fifty Fishing Cats documented within its boundaries, Kaziranga — globally known for its one-horned rhinoceros — is steadily emerging as a crucial refuge for another rare and lesser-known species. The observance of Fishing Cat Day not only celebrated the animal’s unique ecological role but also underlined the urgent need to safeguard wetland habitats increasingly under pressure from human activity.