
(Dhaka, Bangladesh): In Bangladesh, social media and newspapers frequently report incidents of “tiger panic.” In most cases, these reports show that people have either killed or captured a so-called “dangerous animal.” Many posts reveal that villagers have trapped a “tiger” alive in poultry farms. However, the animal being killed due to this “tiger panic” is not a fearsome beast but rather the innocent fishing cat.
A recent study published in the Human Dimensions of Wildlife journal states that fishing cat killings in northeastern Bangladesh are driven not by economic losses but by superstition, fear, and social issues. An international research team from Japan and Bangladesh conducted this study.
The Fishing Cat: A Misunderstood Predator
Fishing cats are medium-sized felines found in South and Southeast Asia. They primarily inhabit wetlands, ponds, rivers, and marshes, where they are known for their exceptional fish-hunting abilities. These cats wade into deep water, using their uniquely adapted paws to catch fish swiftly. Their muscular build and agility help them navigate aquatic environments effectively.
Apart from the Himalayan region, fishing cats are found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as an endangered species on its Red List.

A Fear-Driven Slaughter
The study surveyed 244 households in the Hakaluki Haor region of Bangladesh, focusing on perceptions of fishing cats, golden jackals, and jungle cats. While 88% of respondents did not consider poultry losses due to fishing cats to be a major issue, 84% believed that these cats attack humans. This fear and misinformation have led to the widespread killing of fishing cats, mistakenly perceived as small tigers. Along with habitat destruction, this hostility from humans has put the species at serious risk.
The researchers found that villagers mistakenly identify fishing cats as tigers due to their striped fur. This misidentification has fueled indiscriminate killings, as many people believe these cats pose a significant threat to humans.

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Aziz, professor of zoology at Jahangirnagar University and a co-author of the study, told Bengal Discover, “Many rural communities believe that fishing cats are a type of tiger. Although there is no evidence that they attack humans, this deep-seated fear has led to their continued persecution.”
He added, “People view killing these cats as a form of community protection. Our research found that 90% of respondents believe that eliminating fishing cats benefits their neighbors, and many feel socially obligated to participate in such killings.”
Not an Economic Issue
This study challenges the conventional understanding of human-wildlife conflict, which is often linked to financial losses. Although fishing cats sometimes prey on poultry such as chickens and ducks, only 10.6% of villagers considered this a serious issue.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the researchers found that social perceptions and personal attitudes play a more significant role in fishing cat killings than economic losses.
Social Influence
One of the most alarming findings of the study is that when a fishing cat is spotted in a village, neighbors quickly gather to kill it. This group behavior reinforces the notion that killing the animal is the “right” thing to do. Since this practice is widely accepted, no one questions it.

This treatment of fishing cats stands in stark contrast to how people react to other carnivores like jungle cats and golden jackals, which also prey on poultry but are not subjected to the same level of hostility. The study suggests that fishing cats have been stigmatized due to deep-rooted misconceptions.
Conservation and Awareness
The researchers warn that unless this societal acceptance of killing fishing cats is addressed, conservation efforts will fail. The study recommends several key strategies, including community-based education programs, challenging social attitudes, and involving local leaders. Strengthening awareness campaigns, particularly by enforcing wildlife protection laws, is also crucial.
Dr. Aziz emphasized, “Financial compensation alone will not solve this problem. We need long-term education and inclusive participation to change people’s perceptions of fishing cats.”
Globally, 1 February is observed as International Fishing Cat Day to promote conservation efforts for this endangered species. For the first time, Bangladesh is officially celebrating World Fishing Cat Day 2025 with various awareness programs under the theme: ‘If people are aware, fishing cats will be conserved.’