Context: In a first, a census of the endangered fishing cat species began in the State along the shores of Chilika lake in Odisha.

About Fishing Cats

• The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a wild cat species found primarily in wetland and mangrove ecosystems.
• They are elusive nocturnal mammals and almost twice the size of the house cat.
• It is spotted across south and south-east Asian countries.The fishing cat is listed in Schedule 1 (Part-I) as the vulnerable species under Indian Wildlife (Protection Act), 1972.
• The populations of the species are threatened by destruction of wetland and declined over last decades. 
• However, the wildlife researchers have no concrete evidence about range expansion of species.

About the census

• The fishing cat census and survey are being conducted by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), the Chilika Wildlife Division and local community. 
• Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance is a team of conservationists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It is working to achieve functioning floodplains and coastal ecosystems to ensure the survival of the fishing cat.
• Process: Local fishermen along with wildlife activists will be assisting in the survey. They will install camera traps around the lake shore and nearby areas where fishing cats were sighted earlier.

Initiatives taken by Odisha Government for Fishing Cat Conservation

• Ambassador of Chilika Lake: The Odisha government designated Fishing Cats as ambassadors of the Chilika during ‘Wildlife Week’ in 2020.
• Fishing Cat Project: CDA in collaboration with FCCA has launched a fishing cat project. It will spread awareness among the local people and fishermen for animal’s conservation,
• The Odisha forest department launched a two-year project for the conservation of the fishing cat in the Bhitarkanika National Park in 2020.

About Chilika Lake

• Chilika is Asia's largest and world's second largest lagoon.
• It is a brackish water lagoon. 
• It spreads over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha. 
• The lake is located at the mouth of the Daya River flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent and is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island.
• The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
• Kalijai Temple - Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.