Fishing Cat
Prionailurus viverrinus
CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Felidae
SIZE:
About 40 - 44 lbs.; about 30 inches long
RANGE:
From India south to Sumatra and Java
HABITAT:
Woods, schrublands, reeds along river and streams, and the coastal mangrove forests
DIET:
Wild - Most of its prey are mammals from the size of mice to sheep, supplemented by birds, frogs, fish, crustaceans and insects. Also fresh-water mollusks.
Zoo - Fish and prepared zoo diet for felines
DESCRIPTION:
Body coloration is rather dark, varying from light olive-brown to olive-gray. The back is darker than the flanks. The rump spots are black. Eyes are greenish.
FACTS:
Has webbed feet since it is dependent on the water. Often wades in water and is a good swimmer. Stays mainly on the ground and is not a skillful climber. Catches prey fish by crouching on a rock or sand bank and uses paws to scoop.
A cornered fishing cat tends to attack rather than flee, and for this reason it often kills dogs.
Adults defecate into water.
Life span over nine years.
YOUNG:
Dens are constructed between rocks in dense shrubbery, reeds, hollow trees, and other protected sites.
Gestation period is about 63 days. Female has one to four (usually 2) young. Fishing cats are independent after ten months and find their own territories. In captivity, fathers have been observed assisting raising young.
STATUS:
Lower risk; CITES App. II; declining due to drainage of wetlands.
REFERENCE:
"Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia," Vol. 12, Mammals III, Dr. Bernhard Grzimek
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