Research overview: fishing cat conflict over poultry and aquaculture

Fishing cats sometimes take poultry and raid fish from ponds and aquaculture, generating conflict with households and farmers whose tolerance affects the species fate in human-dominated wetlands. This overview synthesises social-ecological research on the extent of such depredation around Colombo and across the range, the drivers of negative attitudes, and mitigation including predator-proof enclosures, compensation and community engagement. It examines how a misunderstood, secretive cat is sometimes blamed beyond its actual impact, and how outreach can rebuild tolerance. The synthesis frames conflict management as essential to conserving fishing cats in shared urban and agricultural wetlands.