Fishing cat
| Fishing cat | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Missing taxonomy template (fix): | Prionailurus |
| Species: | Template:Taxonomy/PrionailurusP. viverrinus
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| Binomial name | |
| Template:Taxonomy/PrionailurusPrionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833)
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| Distribution of the fishing cat as of 2016[1] | |
The Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia.[2] Fishing cats are the largest of the Prionailurus cats. They are about twice the size of a domestic cat and have a stocky, muscular build with medium to short legs.
In 2008, the IUCN classified the fishing cat as endangered.[1] They live in wetland habitats, which are increasingly being settled, degraded and converted. Over the last decade, the fishing cat population throughout much of its Asian range declined severely.[1]
Like its closest relative, the leopard cat, the fishing cat lives along rivers, streams and mangrove swamps. It is well adapted to this habitat, being an eager and skilled swimmer. Its feet are partly webbed, and it does catch fish.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Mukherjee, S.; Appel, A.; Duckworth, J. W.; Sanderson, J.; Dahal, S.; Willcox, D. H. A.; Herranz Muñoz, V.; Malla, G.; Ratnayaka, A.; Kantimahanti, M.; Thudugala, A.; Thaung, R. & Rahman, H. (2016). "Prionailurus viverrinus": e.T18150A50662615.CS1 maint: Multiple names: authors list (link)
- ↑ Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 544. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494. Search this book on
