Why The Fishing Cat Needs Saving
Geographic Location
The fishing cat is natively found throughout multiple countries in south-east Asia.
Species and Habitat
The fishing cat lives most of its life in areas of dense vegetation close to water. It is an excellent swimmer. However, it is not specially adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle. It has small teeth that are not well designed for holding onto slippery prey and only slight webbing between the toes on it's front paws.
Importance
Without the fishing cats, the food chain that they inhabit would turn upside down. The prey of the fishing cat(fish and aquatic birds) would overpopulate and their prey would decline. The predators of the fishing cat, no matter how few, would have to claim a new prey.
Threats
The fishing cat have very few real natural enemies. People are the biggest threat to the fishing cat because we have not only destroyed much of their unique wetland homes with increasing levels of industrial and commercial activity but people have also been known to hunt fishing cats for their meat and fur. Fishing cats live in areas close to growing settlements. The locals often overfish and the prey of the fishing cat is declining.
Current Status
The current population of the fishing cat in the wild is unknown beyond that they are Endangered. It would not be surprising if the fishing cat went extinct in the near future unless actions are taken. The species is illegal to kill in multiple countries, but illegal poaching is taking place around the world.
Actions Being Taken
Hunting and trading fishing cats and their fur are illegal, but poaching still occurs around the world. Numerous conservation projects have been set up to protect this animal and its habitat. The fishing cat has been listed by the IUCN as an animal species that is endangered.
What YOU Can Do
There are multiple things that you can do to save the fishing cat. You don't only have to donate, you could also write and petition companies that are building in the wetlands, the home of the fishing cat. You could also spread the word about the fishing cat and how it's Endangered to other people so they can make a difference as well.
