Protect Fishing Cats in Bangladesh

Progress Report: "Join the Fight to Save the Fishing Cat"

Reporting Period: (March 2024 – August 2024)

Project Name: Save Innocent Birds Trapped in Deadly Nets
Organization: Green Fundi Initiative (GFI-), New York, USA

Local Partner in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation and Social Services Centre (BCSSC).

Project Overview

The "Join the Fight to Save the Fishing Cat" initiative, spearheaded by the Green Fund Initiative in collaboration with local partners, aims to protect and conserve the endangered Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Bangladesh. This project focuses on habitat conservation, community engagement, research, and advocacy to ensure the survival of this species, which is facing significant threats from habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.

Achievements to Date

1. Rescue and Habitat Conservation

We have rescued 02 Fishing Cats(Prionailurus viverrinus) from our project areas in Bangladesh in collaboration of our local partner and Department of Forest. We treated their injuries in our protected conservation site and release back in the nature.

2. Community Engagement

Awareness Campaigns: We have conducted several awareness campaigns in local communities to educate residents about the importance of the Fishing Cat and the need to protect its habitat. Over 1,000 community members have participated in these campaigns.

3. Research and Monitoring

No research activities are done yet for the limitaiton of funding. However, regular monitoring is ongoing by our volunteers.

4. Policy Advocacy

• Partnership with Government Agencies: We have established a strong partnership with the Bangladesh Forest Department to advocate for the conservation of Fishing Cat. Our advocacy efforts are aimed at increasing legal protections for the species and its habitat.

Challenges Faced

• Funding Constraints: Securing adequate funding remains a challenge, limiting the scale and scope of some of our activities.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Despite our efforts, human-wildlife conflict continues to pose a threat to the Fishing Cat, particularly in areas where its habitat overlaps with agricultural land.

Conclusion

The "Join the Fight to Save the Fishing Cat" project has made significant strides in protecting this endangered species. However, continued support and collaboration are essential to overcome challenges and ensure the long-term survival of the Fishing Cat in Bangladesh. We are committed to sustaining and expanding our efforts, with the ultimate goal of securing a stable and thriving population of Fishing Cats in the wild.

Links:

• https://greenfundi.org/portfolio/conservation-of-fishing-cats/