Camera traps capture rare fishing cats in Kyonekapyin Conservation Area

Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus), one of the rarest cat species in the world, have been recorded in camera traps in the Kyonekapyin conservation area, according to the Kyonekapyin-Tapseik Community Conservation Group (KTCG). As the species is very rare and many countries are engaged in continuous conservation efforts, Myanmar should adopt the same conservation and research work, according to a statement by the KTCG a few days ago.
Despite research on cat species in Myanmar, there have been few studies on fishing cats. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) conducted a survey in Maubin Township in 2019 after recording its presence in Mainmahla Island Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ayeyawady Delta. In the meantime, no specific records were found, although Kyonekapyin locals had reported the presence of fishing cats.
In 2023, the presence of fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) was confirmed by a camera record, and they were said to be surviving in this area due to the remaining suitable habitats.
The residents should be enabled to participate in the protection and conservation of fishing cats to ensure their survival and increase their population.
According to the records, rare and diverse bio-species such as Sarus crane (Grus antigone), Emberiza aureola, Chrysomma altirostre, marsh tortoises, Malayopython reticulatus, boa constrictor, fishing cats and other cat species still exist in the Kyonekapyin-Tapseik area. — MT/ZN