The killing of Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Hakaluki Haor, Bangladesh

Abstract

While considerable attention has been paid to the killing of carnivore species which cause significant damage, little attention has been paid to the killings of other carnivores causing less personal and economic damage. We therefore assessed the patterns and motives behind the killing of Fishing Cats Prionailurus viverrinus by local people in northeastern Bangladesh. We conducted interviews with local people and used qualitative content and narrative analyses to clarify the pattern and motives of killing. Most Fishing Cats were killed by gatherings of 10–15 people with any available tools. Dead bodies were not used after killing, suggesting that the intention was only to kill the individuals. The results of the survey indicated that fear was the strongest motive for killing, which differed from the motivation behind the killing of other sympatric carnivores. Therefore, we conclude that the killing of Fishing Cat cannot be prevented only by an economic based solution but, rather a change in attitude towards the species among local communities.