The Fishing Cat is globally Vulnerable and considered Endangered in Bangladesh, yet historically received little targeted conservation attention. In 2015, members of SCOPE Foundation conducted the first national media-based analysis of human–Fishing Cat conflict in Bangladesh. At least 30 confirmed killings were reported within just four years, highlighting an urgent but overlooked conservation issue. Despite Bangladesh being one of the species’ regional strongholds, no focused conservation initiative was actively addressing conflict mitigation at priority wetland sites.

Recognising this gap, SCOPE initiated targeted Fishing Cat conservation efforts to raise awareness and implement evidence-based interventions. Due to limited funding and capacity, the project strategically focused on Hail Haor, a major wetland hotspot in north-east Bangladesh where conflict was acute. The project adopted a phased, community-based approach: first diagnosing the conflict through structured interviews and economic assessments, followed by awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and practical mitigation measures such as protective duck sheds and habitat restoration. The project has now been successfully completed, having piloted scalable conflict-reduction strategies. Future engagement may resume depending on available capacity and the potential for meaningful conservation impact.