The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

77
(Prionailurus viverrinus) has been nationally assessed
as Endangered under criteria C and D. This species
is suspected to have approximately 150-200 mature
individuals restricted to the Terai. Although it is
suspected to occur in most of the Terai protected
areas, it is only regularly reported and has been
observed to breed from Koshi Tappu Wildlife
Reserve. The sub-populations of this species are
likely to be relatively small and intermixing between
these sub populations may be limited due to the
fragmented nature of the species habitat and
the increased threats outside of protected areas,
however further research on their movement
patterns is required. The Fishing Cat also occurs
in India within suitable areas of wetland habitats,
however its distribution is discontinuous and it is
unlikely that animals from India could or would
recolonize suitable habitat in Nepal. It is likely that
this species and its habitat will continue to decline
as a consequence of over-fishing (and methods
used), conversion of its wetland habitat and
poaching for its pelt. These threats are present in
most areas of this species’ global range.
Legal Status
CITES Appendix II
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973).
National Population Size
Adults: 150-200 (estimated)
This species is not considered common and the
population is estimated to be 150 to 200 individuals
in Nepal. The Fishing Cat has bred in Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve and one kitten was regularly
observed for a number of months in 2009, although
this is the only area from where the animal is
regularly reported.
National Distribution
The Fishing Cat has a distribution restricted to the
Terai region and has been reported from Bardia
National Park, Chitwan National Park, Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve, Parsa Wildlife Reserve mainly in the
flood plains of the Karnali, Babai, Rapti, Narayani,
Koshi and Reu Rivers and Ghodaghodi Tal.
Distribution outside Nepal
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India (mainly
eastern India into Bangladesh, now extirpated from
Bharatpur region and possibly the southern Western
Ghats), Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Viet Nam.
Main Threats
• Poaching for fur.
• Habitat loss including wetland destruction
and degradation.
• Decreasing fish population because of
poisoning and over-harvesting.
Conservation Measures in Place
None. Previous research on this species includes
a radio-telemetry study that took place in Nepal’s
Chitwan National Park in the early 1990s.
Conservation Recommendations
i) Conduct surveys using camera traps, indirect sign
survey and radio collaring to establish occupancy,
populations size and ranging patterns.
ii) Develop and implement management plans for
key wetland areas.
iii) Increase education and awareness programmes
to decrease pollution and over-fishing of wetland
habitat; Increase community engagement in
conservation activities for this species.
References
Suwal and Verheugt 1995, Nowell and Jackson 1996, Sunquist and Sunquist 2002, Baral and Shah 2008,
Hem Baral (pers. comm.) 2010, Nepal Red List of Mammals Field Technicians Workshop 2010.