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Fishing Cat
Body Length: 2-3.2 feet
Tail Length: 1 feet
Tail Length: 15 inches
Weight: 15-30 lb.
Gestation: 63 days
Litter Size: 2-3 kittens
Status:
Pollution, loss of wetlands, and hunting has contributed to a large decline in the fishing cat population. The fishing cat may live near human settlements, and has gotten in trouble with farmers, resulting in trappings and/or shootings.
Physical Characteristics
The fishing cat has short, coarse, gray-brown fur with dark spots. White stripes from the fishing cat's eyes to the crown of its thick, broad head a short tail are ways to distinguish the fishing cat.
Habitat and Daily Life
The fishing cat lives in watery habitats such as swamps, marshes, and reed beds in parts of southern Asia. They are never far from water, and prefer slow moving or static water surrounded by thick cover.
Hunting and Feeding
An expert fisherman, the fishing cat may dive head first into water to catch fish, crabs, or other water animals. The fishing cat has been seen tapping the water with its paw, bringing attention to fish, then grasping it. Other than fish, frogs, and crabs, the fishing cat also preys on land animals such as snakes, birds, and small mammals. When food is scarce, it may prey on dogs, goats, calves, and chicken. The fishing cat is generally a nocturnal hunter.
Reproduction and Cubs
After a gestation period of 63 days, two to three cubs are born in a sheltered area. The cubs will begin eating meat by their second month, and are fully weaned by six months. By 8 1/2 months, the cubs are as big or bigger than their mother.
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