SWCCF News 2026 02
SWCCF Antique Print of Caracals After the Hunt
Great news for Fishing cats in Bangladesh
Jim Sanderson
Sayam Chowdhury, Bangladesh, Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance (FCCA), has great news to share regading Fishing cat conservation in Bangladesh. Thanks in part to Sayam's tireless efforts, the Government of Bangladesh has taken major steps in Fishing cat conservation over the past two years, particularly during the interim government period. These interventions include government-led campaigns, strengthened legal frameworks, and local actions by individuals. The legal protections under the new Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Ordinance 2026 have made the killing of Fishing cats a non-bailable offence. As near as Sayam can tell, human–Fishing cat conflict incidents and Fishing cat mortality dropped by nearly 50% in 2025 compared to 2024. See more details here: https://theclimatewatch.com/bangladesh-marks-fishing-cat-day-as-deaths-halve/.
In terms of our next steps, Sayam suggests we work towards developing a national Fishing Cat Action Plan for Bangladesh. We can invite the Forest Department, particularly the director and his immediate staff, to engage with FCCA partners in other partner countries. Perhaps we should consider a separate partner category for individuals such as ambassador or country representative for people who strongly support Fishing cat conservation efforts but differ from current core partners in that they do not require resources. This may encourage greater national-level action, drawing on the experience of our members across Asia.
FCCA partner in Pakistan, Zafeer Ahmed Shaikh contributed an interesting video recorded by a trail camera of a Fishing cat catching a fish.
Construction begins for enclosures at Nagaland Zoological Park and Itanagar Zoological Park
Construction begins for enclosures at Nagaland Zoological Park and Itanagar Zoological Park
Giri Malla, India, Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project
The above photograph might not look like much, but it's a start. The Nagaland Zoological Park has begun construction work, and the required materials have been ordered. The zoo has allocated a spacious area specifically for our enclosure, which will serve as a rescue center for future Clouded leopards and other small wild cats.
According to the latest estimates from the workers and zoo authorities, construction is expected to be completed by the first week of April. Key materials such as the nine gauge wire mesh and iron rods have already been ordered and are expected to be delivered by the end of February. In the meantime, the Director has initiated fencing and cement-related work to ensure steady progress.
I also visited Itanagar Zoological Park last week and met with the Zoo Director. They are currently preparing for ground clearance and have begun construction work for the new Marbled cat enclosure. The Deputy Ranger had overestimated the budget; however, and after further discussion, several components were revised and streamlined.
As construction proceeds at both zoological parks, I will provide our financial partners with updates.
Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project
Mangroves and Whiskers: Andhra Pradesh Bolsters Fishing Cat Conservation Efforts
Mangroves and Whiskers: Andhra Pradesh Bolsters Fishing Cat Conservation Efforts
Murthy Kantimahanti, India, Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society
A significant milestone for wetland conservation was marked recently in Andhra Pradesh during a high-level National Workshop on Mangrove Conservation. In a gesture symbolizing the state's commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity, the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Konidala Pawan Kalyan formally released a dedicated Fishing cat conservation poster and a commemorative coffee table book. The materials, featuring striking photography from the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, serve as both educational tools and a testament to the long-term conservation strategies being implemented in the region.
The release of these publications highlights a robust partnership between the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society (EGWS) and the Andhra Pradesh State Government. This collaboration underscores the essential link between grassroots field research and official policy in safeguarding vulnerable species. Key highlights from the event included:
(1) Expert Insights: As President of EGWS and Regional Conservation Partner of the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance, I delivered a presentation titled "Where Mangroves Meet Whiskers–Conserving the Fishing Cat in Andhra’s Mangroves."
(2) Field Monitoring and Conservation: My talk provided deep dives into the ongoing monitoring programs within the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, which remains one of the most critical strongholds for this elusive feline along with addressing the conservation needs of the species beyond protected areas.
(3) National Collaboration: The workshop served as a nexus for conservation leaders, drawing representatives from India’s maritime states, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and premier NGOs including Wildlife Trust of India.
As a flagship species for mangrove ecosystems, the Fishing cat acts as a vital indicator of wetland health. Unlike most felids, this the Fishing cat is well-adapted to aquatic environments, making the preservation of Andhra Pradesh's coastal mangroves essential for its survival. The collaborative efforts between NGOs and government bodies are no longer just an advantage, they are a necessity for the survival of specialized species like the Fishing cat. By integrating educational outreach such as the newly released coffee table book with technical workshops, the state aims to foster a "conservation-first" mindset among both policymakers and the public.
Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society
What’s Happening at Big Cat Rescue?
I’m so thankful the Dr. Jim Sanderson does such an amazing job each month bringing you news from our Working Group conservation partners! There is always so much going on that it’s impossible to summarize everything to put it in bite size text. Here are just a few links you may have missed:
All of our 2026 videos are in this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsmHBgbkKIESnhaNDWrD0fE4QxgAogkaS
We are updating all of our Cat Cat content and as we do, the new videos are here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qasprcei3k4&list=PLsmHBgbkKIEQucLWGlqrsmvrb6HsvyD5y
