Fishing cats are very unique waterloving cats specially adapted for the aquatic landscape, and in the Bengal Floodplains, they are the highest predator called Baghrol or Mecho Bagha. Fishing Cats are the indicator species of the Floodplain Ecosystem but they are now Endangered with less than 20,000 remains in the wild and Bengal floodplains are the strongest hold with the highest population with about 30-40 Fishing Cats in 30 sq km habitat. Baghrol Basa is a uniquely designed Fishing Cat Research and Conservation project run solely by sustainable wildlife tourism. Our mission is to protect this endangered animal in the Wild. Baghrol Basa is a high impact project where over 20 local people and their livelihood is depending on this 6 guest rooms homestay to make sure we maintain a 100% sighting record of this very elusive and unique animal and the tourism impact on them remains low.
Fishing Cats are very unique aquatic cats specially adapted for the Floodplains & Wetland ecosystems and Fish is their main choice of prey. They are not only hunting at night, but also underwater. They are among the strongest small cats with extraordinary abilities.
Fishing Cats are the indicator species of the floodplains & wetlands ecosystems where their presence often means a healthy ecosystem due to their varied aquatic prey diet.
Fishing cats in our area live in close proximity to human settlements. It is not surprising to see a fishing cat resting at night in front of a villager's house. Though bigger than domestic cats, fishing cats are not a threat to people. They can survive on various diets from Mouse to Fish to Crabs etc.
Fishing Cats are among the strongest small cats in the world. We have evidence of fishing cats interacting with other carnivores like Golden jackals and jungle cats in our area. These species do not bother the fishing cat and let it have its way as they are the Top Predator of the Wetlands.
Baghrol Basa Fishing Cat Expeditions are known for their great sightings, and sometimes from a fairly close distance. You will instantly fall in love with the calm nature of this charismatic aquatic wild cat. Fishing Cats are bold and give time to observe them hunt.
Fishing Cats are Endangered animals, and in very high threat of going extinct in the Wild due to the Rapid Habitat Loss of wetlands & floodplains around the world. Save them by taking part in the Fishing Cat Expedition and joining hands with us.
Baghrol Basa Fishing Cat Expedition is worlds longest running wild Fishing Cat census fueled by Sustainable Fishing Cat Tourism. Just by participating in our expeditions you contribute to science for the wild Fishing Cats.
Baghrol Basa is dedicated to the cause of saving the Wild Fishing Cats. Our team petrol the forest every day to stop and minimize the Fishing Cat hunting / poaching. We also do other activities like- Animal Rescue, Dog vaccination, Habitat restoration etc. All of these are funded by Tourism.
The Elusive Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)- This is a wonderful place which enables guests (maximum four) to see the elusive and endangered fishing cat which is a swamp specialist. The Bengal Flood Plains are one of its homes. This is mostly done at night in Electric Totos which are soundless and eco friendly. Other animals are also seen such as the Jackal both the golden and rarer melanistic one. During the day walks in the fields enable many a bird sighting as well as other creatures. This homestay has a hide from which one is able to view a number of animals including the monitor lizard. The homestay is a fully restored 17th century house once the property of a rich local Jamindar. The two rooms on offer are well-appointed with a western toilet and a shower area. They have balconies overlooking fish ponds or gardens. It is run by Shantanu Prasad who is the Head Naturalist. They have been advised by Dr. Shekhar Kolipaka, Wildlife behavioural biologist, and Kartikeya Singh, Trainer & Wildlife conflict management specialist. This project's aim is the conservation of the Fishing Cat with the aim of involving the local people and getting them to appreciate the value of their flagship specie. The food is local and excellent and is, of course, Bengali. They will make sure that you are able to have a choice and their food is adapted to western taste for blander food should you so wish. I had a great time with Belgian vet and his wife. We saw a number of different fishing cats which was just what I had gone there for.
Unique Place for Observing Fishing Cats in the Wild- If the Fishing Cat is one of the wild cat species on you list, this is probably the best place to see them! The place is run by Shantanu Prasad, who is also an outstanding photographer. The Project's aim is the conservation of the Fishing Cat involving local people. Very good homestay accommodation and food. You need at least two nights, and if you want to photograph this elusive feline, you will need a tripod and proferable a f/4 telelens. Can recommend Wanderfogel Adventures for arranging this trip.
Enjoyed our stay and hospitality at the heritage landlord house right in the flood plains of West Bengal. A new experience with fishing cat, monster lizards, Jackals, etc. In night safaris with Shantanu and his team. Great conservation initiation and awareness among the villagers. With Best Wishes
শান্তনু, আমাদের ছোটবেলায় পড়া রূপকথার বইয়ে যে আবহমান বাংলা ধরা আছে, আপনি, আপনার কমরেডরা আমাকে/আমাদের তাঁর কাছে পৌঁছে দিলেন। সেই লক্ষীডুবির ঘাট, সেই হীরেমানিক তারার মাঠ, আর আকাশ কাঁপানো হুক্কা হুয়া…..। বড় হওয়াটা এত কর্কশ, আমি ভেবেছিলাম, এগুলো নেই। অথচ এই তো, এখানে থরে থরে সাজানো সব। এই রূপকথার দেশ খুব রাজকীয় নয়, কিন্তু আমাদের ভীষণ নিজস্ব। আপনার দর্শন আমাদের মতো থোড় বড়ি খাড়া নয়। আকাশের মতো মহৎ। শুভেচ্ছা জানবেন। বন্ধুত্ব যেন থাকে……। আপনাকে এবং আপনার বন্ধুদের কুর্নিশ। -
Wonderful enterprise! We were a group of 6 people who stayed for 2 nights in this place. They are playing a key role in baghrol or fishing cat conservation, the state animal of West Bengal, but whose protection has been sadly neglected by the conservationists, even those who vociferously demand tiger conservation. Added to that the baghrol is a nocturnal animal and its habitat is marshy land, so there are many lacunae in our knowledge. This kind of rural habitat with plenty of ponds and marshes are ideal for watching this beautiful animal There are 2 beautiful rooms in this place, one bigger than the other. The rooms are beautifully decorated and adapted with all modcons. Food is great, a great incentive for staying here. Nocturnal safaris are taken care of to see the elusive baghrol and the black jackal, a rare melanistic jackal. Also there are palm civets, civets, jackals, owls. In the daytime there are great walks to the surrounding areas and of the river Damodar. All in all a wonderful experience.!
বাঘরোলকে রাজ্যপশু ঘোষণা করায় খুব খুশী হয়েছিলাম। তারপর শান্তনুর উদ্যোগে বাঘরোল বাসায় বাঘরোল ও পারিপার্শ্বিক পরিবেশ দেখার জন্য উন্মুখ ছিলাম।হঠাৎ করেই সুযোগ হয়ে গেল। মনে মনে একটা ধারণা করেছিলাম। কিন্তু আসার পর ধারণাটা সম্পূর্ণ বদলে গেল। বাঘরোলকে কেন্দ্র করে বাঘরোল থিমে যে এমন একটা জায়গা হতে পারে, এ আমাদের কল্পনাতীত। শান্তনু ও তার পরিবারের উষ্ণ অভ্যর্থনায় আমরা আপ্লুত। প্রতিটি সুইটের সুন্দর ভাবনা আমাদের মুগ্ধ করেছে। তবে সবচেয়ে আনন্দদায়ক হলো, রাতের অন্ধকারে মেছো বেড়ালের কর্মকান্ড প্রত্যক্ষ করা। শান্তনুর সঙ্গে interactive session থেকে আমরা অনেক অজানা তথ্য জানতে পেরে সমৃদ্ধ হয়েছি। ওর উদ্যোগকে সাধুবাদ জানাই। আমাদের পক্ষ থেকে আগামী দিনগুলির জন্য অনেক অভিনন্দন রইল। শুভেচ্ছাসহ-
Experience the Best Floodplain Wildlife Expedition. Save Fishing Cat - Save Floodplains - Save Water
Reservation
6291282879Email Info
info@forestdwellers.orgAddress
Amta, Howrah
