Rajasthan
Fishing Cat Sighting in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
- 23 Sep 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The first-ever sighting of a Fishing Cat in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) marks a significant addition to its small cat population, underscoring the reserve's ecological importance and the health of its wetland habitats.
Key Points
- About: The Fishing Cat was captured on camera during routine tiger monitoring by RVTR's biologist and Dalelpura tracking team in the Ramgarh Range, Bundi, confirming its presence.
- Existing Species: Before this discovery, RVTR was home to four small cat species, namely, Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), Asiatic Wildcat (Felis lybica ornata), and Caracal (Caracal caracal).
- The addition of the Fishing Cat brings the total to five small cat species, further enriching the reserve's carnivore population.
- Habitat: Typically found in wetlands and riverine environments, its presence in RVTR highlights the health of the reserve's aquatic ecosystems, essential for the species' survival.
- Diet: The Fishing Cat primarily preys on fish and aquatic invertebrates, making wetlands essential for its survival.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix II
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Significance: The discovery contributes to the growing recognition of RVTR as a biodiversity hotspot in Rajasthan, home to apex predators such as tigers and leopards, as well as smaller carnivores that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
