Sri Lanka’s Wetland Hunter from the Feline Family

In the stillness of Sri Lanka’s wetlands, occasionally, a shadow moves through the dark greenery. Silent, elusive, and surprisingly well adapted to its watery world… The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a member of the wild cat family, is one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating yet often overlooked predators. Unlike most felines, it thrives in wetland ecosystems, using its partially webbed paws to hunt fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. However, despite its extraordinary adaptations, this species faces an uncertain future.

Protecting this elusive hunter and ensuring its survival has become a crucial conservation priority. At Wild Glamping Gal Oya from Thema Collection, we are committed to preserving the biodiversity around us, not only through proactive conservation efforts but also by taking preventive measures to mitigate future threats. To better understand and monitor local wildlife, we have installed camera traps throughout our property. These efforts have already yielded exciting discoveries! We have spotted the fishing cat strolling under the night sky of Rathugala on multiple occasions.

In collaboration with FishCat.Org, a global organization dedicated to combating deforestation, extinction, and climate change, we have taken another step toward protecting this rare species. FishCat.Org works with landowners worldwide to establish FishCat Nature Reserves, ensuring sustainable conservation practices. Their initiatives have led to the creation of protected reserves in Sri Lanka, India, and the United States.

Recently, Wild Glamping Gal Oya hosted an awareness program in collaboration with the founder and president of FishCat.Org, Mr. Ashwin Naidu to support the conservation of fishing cats. Mr. Ashwin Naidu and one of our naturalists, Vishud Jayathilake conducted an informative session to raise awareness and implement conservation efforts. They also explored the potential for establishing a dedicated nature reserve within our grounds. The conservationist previously led a successful fishing cat conservation program in 2019, establishing a nature reserve at Gal Oya Lodge, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation efforts.

By actively engaging in these initiatives, Wild Glamping Gal Oya reinforces its commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems and ensuring a future for the fishing cat in its natural habitat. Every step we take brings us closer to securing a thriving environment for this elusive and extraordinary species.