Overview
- The Kaziranga Tiger Cell, working with Fishing Cat Project scientist Tiasa Adhya, repurposed All India Tiger Estimation camera‑trap images to assess the species.
- Photos identified 57 unique individuals across more than 450 sq km, pointing to a widespread, reproducing population within the reserve.
- Managers note that tiger‑survey grid spacing can miss smaller carnivores and call for targeted fishing cat surveys to refine abundance and monitor trends.
- Park leadership describes Kaziranga as an ark for the species in the Brahmaputra floodplains, with fishing cats highlighted as ecological sentinels for floodplain change.
- The globally vulnerable felid is protected under Schedule I in India and faces habitat loss and hunting, with the report launched on February 22 during community outreach and student events.