Rethinking wildlife conservation: Why India’s fishing cats need conservation beyond protected areas

The article "Rethinking wildlife conservation: Why India’s fishing cats need conservation beyond protected areas" presents a crucial paradigm shift in India's approach to biodiversity protection. It highlights that the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a charismatic and globally threatened feline, thrives in wetland habitats often intertwined with human settlements, making traditional Protected Area (PA)-centric conservation strategies insufficient for its long-term survival. This recognition marks a significant evolution in conservation thinking, moving from 'fortress conservation' to a more inclusive, landscape-level approach.

Historically, wildlife conservation in India, influenced initially by colonial game reserves and later by post-independence efforts, largely focused on establishing and rigorously protecting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA). This model proved effective for species primarily confined to dense forests or large, contiguous natural habitats. However, for species like the Fishing Cat, which are semi-aquatic and depend on a mosaic of marshlands, mangroves, paddy fields, and aquaculture ponds, these PAs cover only a fraction of their actual habitat. The Fishing Cat is listed under Schedule I of the WPA, granting it the highest level of legal protection, and is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Despite this, its populations continue to face threats primarily due to habitat loss and degradation outside PAs.

The core issue is that Fishing Cats are 'embedded in human landscapes.' These vital habitats are often deemed 'wastelands' or 'unproductive' by local communities and policymakers, leading to their conversion for agriculture, aquaculture, real estate, and infrastructure projects. Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and domestic waste further degrades these wetlands, impacting the cat's prey base (fish, crustaceans, frogs). The proximity to human habitations also leads to human-wildlife conflict, with cats often killed in retaliation for preying on poultry or fish, or falling victim to road accidents and snaring.

Key stakeholders in this evolving conservation narrative include the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and State Forest Departments, who are responsible for policy formulation and implementation. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and other research institutions provide critical scientific data. Crucially, local communities – farmers, fisherfolk, and villagers living in wetland-rich areas – are perhaps the most significant stakeholders. Their livelihoods often depend on these very ecosystems, and their cooperation is indispensable for successful conservation outcomes. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like The Fishing Cat Project, WWF-India, and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) play a vital role in research, community engagement, and advocacy. International bodies, through conventions like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, also influence India's conservation policies.

This shift in conservation strategy holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it acknowledges that biodiversity conservation cannot be isolated from human development, especially in a densely populated country. It promotes the idea of human-wildlife coexistence, which is vital for long-term sustainability. Secondly, the Fishing Cat serves as an indicator species for wetland health. Protecting its habitats automatically safeguards vital ecosystem services provided by wetlands, such as water purification, flood control, groundwater recharge, and carbon sequestration. These services directly benefit human populations and contribute to climate change resilience. Economically, healthy wetlands support fisheries and agriculture, providing livelihoods for millions. Socially, successful coexistence models can reduce human-wildlife conflict, fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature. Politically, this approach aligns with India's global commitments to sustainable development goals and biodiversity targets.

Relevant constitutional provisions underscore India's commitment to environmental protection. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country." Furthermore, Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures." Beyond the WPA, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 (and subsequent 2019 amendments) provide a framework for the protection and sustainable management of wetlands, which are critical habitats for Fishing Cats. The National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP), particularly the latest iteration (2017-2031), increasingly emphasizes landscape-level conservation, integrating wildlife corridors and human-dominated areas.

The future implications of this rethinking are profound. It necessitates a more integrated land-use planning approach, where wetland ecosystems are recognized as essential natural infrastructure, not just 'wastelands.' This could lead to policy reforms that incentivize local communities for conservation efforts, perhaps through eco-tourism, sustainable aquaculture practices, or compensation mechanisms for crop/livestock damage. Increased research into human-wildlife dynamics in shared landscapes will be crucial. Furthermore, successful models developed for the Fishing Cat could be replicated for other species (e.g., leopards, elephants, wolves) that increasingly share space with humans. This inclusive conservation paradigm represents a mature stage in India's environmental journey, acknowledging the intricate link between human well-being and biodiversity, and advocating for a future where nature and people can thrive together.