The fishing cat: New insights on distribution in the northern sector of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

A recent camera-trapping study in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals that fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) inhabit areas less than one kilometer from human settlements, suggesting their adaptability to human-dominated landscapes. The research, conducted over 130 camera trap nights in April-May 2021, documented the species near the Rapti riverbed, where seasonal shallow water holes likely facilitate hunting. This finding expands our understanding of fishing cat distribution and behavior in Nepal, a region with significant research gaps on this elusive feline. The study highlights their proximity to human settlements and aquatic habitats, offering new insights for conservation efforts.

Maharjan, R., Mishra, R., & Karki, J. B. (2024). The fishing cat: New insights on distribution in the northern sector of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 8(1), 81–85. https://doi.org/10.3126/njz.v8i1.67115