CORINGA WLS

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary- Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India have successfully radio-collared three endangered fishing cats for the first time, enhancing conservation efforts in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh—India’s second-largest mangrove stretch. The sanctuary, home to diverse mangroves and key species like the fishing cat and Olive Ridley turtles, plays a vital role in coastal biodiversity preservation.

Last Updated on 9th June, 2025
3 minutes, 19 seconds

Description

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Context:

Recently, experts from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, have collared three endangered fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) for the first time in India.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Attribute

Details

Location

Godavari Muhana (delta), where Koring River meets the Bay of Bengal, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh

Area Composition

~40% marine-backwater; the rest comprises creeks and tide-submerged areas

Vegetation

Broad mangroves and dry deciduous tropical forests

Ecological Rank

The second largest stretch of mangrove forests in India

Flora (Mangrove Species)

Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp., Sonneratia spp.

Fauna (Mammals)

Smooth Indian otter, fishing cat, jackal

Birdlife

Black-capped kingfisher, Brahminy kite, seagull, reef heron, sandpiper

Conservation Importance

Coastal Breeding Ground for Olive Ridley Turtles

About Fishing Cat

Aspect

Details

Scientific Name

Prionailurus viverrinus

Size & Appearance

Medium-sized wild cat; stocky build with short legs, a short tail, and a rounded but elongated face.

Females are smaller than males.

Behavior

Solitary and nocturnal; rests in dense vegetation by day and hunts at night, especially in water. Excellent swimmer.

Habitat

Prefers wetlands such as swamps, oxbow lakes, reed beds, tidal creeks, and mangrove forests.

Distribution (India)

Foothills of the Himalayas (Ganges & Brahmaputra river valleys), Western Ghats

Distribution (Global)

Southeast Asia (including Sri Lanka), southern China, Java, Sumatra, and parts of Pakistan and western India

Conservation Status

- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

- CITES: Appendix II

- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I

ALSO READ- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/goby-fish

Source: The Hindu 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

  1. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the delta where the Koringa River meets the Arabian Sea and is known for its dry thorn forest vegetation.
  2. The Fishing Cat is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and prefers wetland habitats such as mangrove forests and tidal creeks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located where the Koringa River meets the Bay of Bengal, not the Arabian Sea, and it has broad mangroves and dry deciduous tropical forests, not dry thorn forests.

Statement 2 is correct: The Fishing Cat is indeed protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and it thrives in wetlands, including mangrove forests and tidal creeks.

 

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