Home > Our Projects > Scientific research and conservation measures of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in the inland wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh
Scientific research and conservation measures of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in the inland wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh
Since the crisis of biodiversity loss was recognized, many studies have been conducted, but many species are still at risk of extinction. One of the reasons for this is that much of the academic research that is said to contribute to biodiversity conservation has not been implemented. This gap between academic research and implementation is considered an important and serious issue in conservation biology, and many studies have been conducted to explore the causes and solutions of the gap. For example, it has been proposed that researchers commit to social implementation, which allows for the smooth transfer of scientific knowledge and enables conservation practice based on scientific evidence, and that approaches linking research to conservation measures while conducting surveys and research with government and local stakeholders are also proposed. However, these proposals often focus on specific conservation measures, and comprehensive empirical research that covers the establishment of an implementation system for conservation programs is limited.
Therefore, in this study, we will implement conservation measures for the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) based on scientific evidence. To this end, we will collect scientific data, design and implement conservation measures, and build a system that will enable long-term implementation. In particular, we will promote capacity building to create conservation measures that can be implemented independently by local students and residents.
The fishing cat is a medium-sized cat that lives mainly in wetlands in South and Southeast Asia, and Bangladesh is an important habitat for the species due to the size of the wetlands. However, the hunting and killing of the fishing cat by humans is a major threat, especially in the northeastern part of the country, which has the largest wetlands. The main objective of this study is to conserve the fishing cat population, and the following three aims will be carried out:
- To clarify the characteristics and timing of agricultural land used by the fishing cat for breeding, and to establish a system to suppress the hunting and killing behavior of villagers and monitor the breeding situation in cooperation with agricultural landowners.
- To clarify the seasonal use (rainy season/dry season) of the fishing cat inside and around the wetlands (human residential areas), to identify spatiotemporal patterns that are likely to cause hunting and killing based on the degree of spatiotemporal overlap with human behavior, and to determine priorities for conservation interventions.
- To develop, implement, and evaluate a curriculum on wetland ecosystem conservation for elementary schools in villages on the periphery of wetlands where the hunting and killing of the fishing cat has been confirmed. We will identify and introduce a curriculum that will increase the conservation (motivation) of children living in wetlands and reduce parents' intention to hunt and kill the fishing cat.
Implementation Organisations (as of October 2024)
Principal investigator
Dr. Ai Suzuki
Assistant Professor, Research Organization of Open Innovation and Collaboration (OIC), Ritsumeikan University
Collaborators
| Japan | Dr. Ryo Sakurai (Ritsumeikan University) |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | Dr. Mohammad Abdul Aziz (Jahangirnagar University) + two researchers |
Project Updates
The 2024 field survey has started in Bangladesh.
- Duration of the field survey: October 5 to 8 (camera trap surveys will continue until mid-December by local collaborators)
- Location: Hakaluki Haor Wetland, Sylhet Division, northeastern Bangladesh
- Activity photos: PDF 942KB
The survey was conducted in Bangladesh from November 1 to 7, 2024.
- Duration of the field survey: November 3 to 5, 2024.
- Location: Hakaluki Haor Wetland, Sylhet Division, northeastern Bangladesh
- Activity photos: PDF 682KB
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation
4-20-9 Midori, Sumida-ku
Tokyo 130-0021 Japan
Phone : +81-3-6659-2070
Fax : +81-3-6659-2272