H2_W3_013

Date: 2021

Location: Bhitarkanika, Orissa

Did you know?

The Fishing Cat is a medium-sized wild cat from South and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It lives near wetlands, along rivers, streams, swamps, and mangroves. The Fishing Cat has deep yellowish-grey fur with black lines and spots. The Fishing Cat is thought to be primarily nocturnal and is very comfortable in water. It can swim long distances, even underwater.

About the picture

This photograph was taken in the Bhitarkanika mangroves of Orissa. Sadly, Fishing Cat populations are threatened by the destruction of wetlands and have declined severely over the last decade and it was exciting to be able to spot one. This cat was out hunting in the mangroves at night when I clicked this picture.

Fun Fact

The Fishing Cat is the state animal of West Bengal.