The rare
fishing cat,
Felis viverrina, is found on the mainland of
Southeast Asia, in
Sri Lanka, and some of the islands of
Indonesia. They are usually brown with black spots. As its name implies, it is a strong
swimmer (with small
ears, an elongated
muzzle, and partially
webbed toes to help) and catches
fish,
frogs,
crustaceans by standing quietly by or in the water until some
prey comes by to be grabbed fast as lightning (with
claws that are still visible even when fully retracted). They also prey on
birds and small
mammals -- at a weight of around 25 pounds, they have been reported to overpower
calves and
dogs.
Little is known about their social organization, but multiple observances of several fishing cats together seems to imply that they spend time in groups, unlike most felines. The wetlands which are their habitat are disappearing quickly, though, and the fishing cat has also been hunted as a barnyard pest, for its fur, and for its meat.