Population dynamics of the globally threatened fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in a coastal anthropogenic landscape of southern Thailand

Abstract

Fishing cat populations are dwindling globally due to habitat loss and conflicts with humans. To address these pressing issues, our study focused on understanding fishing cat dynamics in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a key site in Southeast Asia. Utilizing data from three sampling periods (2019, 2021 and 2023) and over 34,000 camera trap-days, we identified 127 individual adult fishing cats. Our analysis revealed a population density increase from 18 to 24 cats /100 km², from 2019 to 2023, and indicated a positive population growth rate (λ = 1.16). However, spatial survival probabilities were moderate 0.50 (95 % CI 0.33 – 0.67), likely due to isolation and human-caused mortality as suggested by interviews of local people. Despite conservation challenges, the population may be sustaining itself through high rates of recruitment (76 %) and turnover (80 %). Fishing cats exhibited a preference for natural areas with less disturbance within this anthropogenic landscape. This suggests that some relatively urbanized lands could potentially serve as refuge habitats for these felids. The preservation of existing habitats, especially within and near the national park is crucial for their survival, whereas increased law enforcement is unlikely to be an effective approach to achieve sustainable conflict mitigation. Incorporating education about coexistence into local school classrooms and/or community forums, and/or recruiting volunteers to participate in fishing cat monitoring could help reduce conflict over time. We show that understanding the temporal aspects of fishing cat population ecology is essential for their conservation.