Coringa Sanctuary hosts unique collaring project
India’s First Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Sanctuary: In a first-of-its-kind move, the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun has launched India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. This sanctuary is located at the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa River meets the Bay of Bengal. The goal is to better understand the movement, habitat preferences, and threats faced by these elusive wetland cats.
Understanding the Fishing Cat
The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a wild feline that’s about twice the size of a domestic cat. Unlike most cats, this one isn’t afraid of water. In fact, it thrives in wetlands and mangrove regions, especially those that are rich in aquatic life.
In India, Fishing Cats are mainly found in the Sundarbans, the Himalayan foothills along the Ganga and Brahmaputra valleys, and parts of the Western Ghats. Their preference for marshy and swampy areas makes them strong indicators of wetland health.
What makes them special?
These cats are nocturnal hunters, and they feed on a wide variety of prey like fish, frogs, snakes, crustaceans, birds, and even carcasses. Their webbed feet and sharp claws help them swim efficiently and hunt in water — a rare trait for felines.
But with increased human activity, these animals are facing several challenges. Wetland destruction, pollution, and overfishing have led to a decline in their main food sources, especially fish. As wetlands are drained for development or converted for agriculture, the cat’s natural habitat is shrinking fast.
Conservation efforts and legal status
The Fishing Cat is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means its population is decreasing and it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. In India, it is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, offering it the highest level of legal protection — similar to that of tigers and elephants.
The new collaring project will involve fitting GPS collars on these cats to track their movement and activity patterns. This data will help conservationists develop focused strategies for habitat protection, threat management, and awareness-building.
Linking it to broader conservation goals
This initiative is especially important in the context of India’s commitments to biodiversity, wetland conservation, and species protection. The project also highlights the lesser-known but crucial role of estuarine ecosystems in supporting diverse wildlife.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First Fishing Cat Collaring Project at Coringa Sanctuary:
| Topic | Details |
| Location of Coringa Sanctuary | Godavari estuary, Andhra Pradesh |
| Species | Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) |
| Habitat | Wetlands, mangroves |
| Diet | Fish, frogs, snakes, birds, crustaceans |
| Main Threats | Wetland destruction, overfishing |
| Conservation Status (IUCN) | Vulnerable |
| Wildlife Act Status | Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| Organizing Body | Wildlife Institute of India |
| Special Adaptation | Webbed feet for swimming |
| Found in India | Sundarbans, Ganga-Brahmaputra valley, Western Ghats |
