NIGHT PROWL

As shrimp farms encroach on fishing cat habitat in Thailand, scientists are learning how these felines are adapting to a changing world

Shining a light

A fishing cat - a medium-sized feline native to South and South-East Asia - prowls a traditional shrimp farm near the border of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand. This rare wetland specialist is well adapted to its watery home, with partially webbed feet and non-retractable claws for spearing slippery fish. The species is in decline across its range, largely due to habitat loss and poaching. In this part of Thailand, fishing cat habitat has become fragmented by shrimp farms and fishponds - so researchers are investigating how the animals are navigating this altered landscape.

To catch a cat

Biologists Chaiwat Klakhaeng and Wiroon Mongkonsin set a box-trap to catch a fishing cat for radio-collaring. Bait goes in the small rear section, luring the animal into the larger front section. When a cat enters the trap, it steps on a pressure plate, triggering the entrance flap to swing shut. Boxtraps are considered a very safe way of catching cats.

A changing view

Designated in 1996 as Thailand's first marine park, Khao Sam Roi Yot encompasses 98km² of coast facing the Gulf of Thailand. The area is known for its steep, forested hills and expansive marsh, but shrimp farms are dramatically altering the landscape.

Night watch

Having successfully collared a male fishing cat, Wiroon tracks him at night using special data-receiving equipment. Fishing cats are solitary and nocturnal, and thus difficult to observe in the wild.

Spots and stripes

Sometimes referred to as 'little leopards,' fishing cats sport short, muscular legs, distinct forehead stripes that break out into patchy spots, and large, close-set eyes. Females are slightly smaller than the males.

Shrimp farming