Diet of fishing cat (prionailurus Viverrinus) in Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve, eastern lowland Nepal

Abstract

Fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is an endangered felid that inhabits wetlands and marshy areas. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the major habitats of fishing cats in Nepal and being partially dependent on fish there are conflicts with fish farmers. This study aimed to find the diet of fishing cats, including the contribution of commercially reared fishes in their diet, in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in eastern lowland of Nepal. A total of 36 scats of fishing cats were collected by transect survey from human and livestock trails, roads, and pond edge for four weeks in the months of February, October and November in 2022. The scats were analyzed by scat analysis method in laboratory to determine the diet of fishing cats. The scats were washed in a sieve mesh and undigested prey remains were allowed to dry in sun. Then the dehydrated sample were separated into different taxonomic groups by the presence of hairs, feathers, fish scales, bones, and insect parts. Hair samples were then used to make medullar and cuticular slides which were compared with reference slides and images. Results of this study reveal that the accumulation and distribution of scats was found near water bodies, highlighting the significance of conserving the habitat of fishing cat. The main diet of fishing cat consists of mammals, fish, and plant matter, with insects, reptiles, and stones being less frequently consumed. Fish accounted for 52.7% of their diet by weight. The quantification of scat contents showed a higher contribution of mammals especially species of the order Rodentia, particularly those belonging to the Bandicota, Mus, and Rattus genera. Additionally, the presence of plastic in their diet emphasizes the importance of preserving their habitat and reducing the pollution by non-degradable items like plastic, which can have an adverse impact on their health. This study contributes to the understanding of the dietary habits of fishing cat and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats.