Endangered fishing cats face deadly human-wildlife conflict across bangladesh despite wide distribution

A comprehensive study of Bangladesh’s endangered fishing cats reveals a troubling paradox: while these elusive wetland predators occupy nearly one-third of the country’s territory, they face widespread persecution that threatens their survival.

Researchers analyzing over 360 media reports from 2005 to 2021 documented the presence of fishing cats in 158 subdistricts covering 32% of Bangladesh. However, their findings paint a grim picture of human-wildlife conflict. The study estimates that 160 fishing cats died during this period, with most killed by fish and duck farmers who view the cats as threats to their livelihoods. Nearly half of all recorded encounters resulted in immediate kill-on-sight responses from humans.

The research documented at least 395 adult fishing cats and 170 kittens involved in conflicts with humans. While 117 individuals were released back into the wild, many face recurring dangers as human settlements continue expanding into their wetland habitats. Only 34 cats were relocated to zoos or rescue centers, often far from their original territories.

“In Bangladesh, the situation is dire,” explains study author Muntasir Akash, calling fishing cats “true ambassadors of the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia.” The crisis is compounded by the fact that over 95% of fishing cat populations live outside protected areas, leaving them vulnerable to ongoing conflicts. Akash warns that Bangladesh’s fishing cats are experiencing “the same colonial-era purge of big cats” that decimated other large feline species. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted conservation strategies focused on conflict hotspots to prevent further population decline of these unique aquatic hunters.