A rare sighting of the Indian fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) has been confirmed at a farm in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. This marks the first recorded presence of the vulnerable wild cat species in the state, generating interest among wildlife experts and conservationists.
The Indian fishing cat is a medium-sized wild feline native to the Indian subcontinent. Known for its affinity for water, it primarily inhabits wetland areas and is an adept swimmer. The species is listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and declining population trends.
According to local reports, the animal was spotted by farmers on private agricultural land in Hoshiarpur. The Punjab Forest Department has acknowledged the sighting and is currently investigating the habitat to confirm further activity of the species in the area.
Conservationists view this development as significant, citing the need for increased habitat protection and monitoring. They hope the sighting will raise awareness about the species’ conservation status and promote efforts to preserve Punjab’s lesser-known biodiversity.
This discovery adds to a series of notable wildlife sightings in Punjab, particularly in Hoshiarpur district. In 2020, the rare rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) was recorded for the first time in the state. Captured by camera traps in Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary, this sighting was significant as there were no previous records of the species in the foothills of the Shivalik range in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. The rusty-spotted cat is one of the world's smallest and rarest felines, listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List.
Additionally, the Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary has been a focal point for various wildlife discoveries. Leopard sightings have been recorded in the sanctuary, with camera traps capturing the presence of these wild cats. This has led to the recognition of Punjab as an official leopard habitat. The sanctuary's diverse ecosystem supports a range of species, including sambar, hog deer, jungle cats, jackals, and various bird species.
The Punjab Forest Department has encouraged the public to report any additional sightings to aid in ongoing documentation and conservation initiatives.
(with inputs from multiple reports)