It is clear that an essential--perhaps even over-riding--consideration in the conservation of fishing cats will be the attitude and support of people living on or near the landscapes that support the species. Our telemetry studies of fishing cat movements at the current focal study site of Khao Sam Roi Yod (KSRY) show a tightly interwoven mosiac with cats using both remnants of natural vegetation and completely transformed agricultural fields. Additionally, we continue to record evidence of direct persecution of cats in the form of snares, poisoning, and shooting at cats in the proximity of households. 

In all of our work at KSRY, we strive to integrate activities with the interests of the human communities in the area. For example, all project technicians are local residents and we interact daily with local landowners who provide access to the extensive private landholding that make up the bulk of the current survey area. However, there remains work to be done in terms of addressing the attitude of some that fishing cats are a pest species with little value.

To counter these attitudes--and to increase general appreciation of fishing cats and their wetland habitats, we have published and distributed an informational brochure describing the species role in a healthy wetland landscapes and the objectives our project. The brochure welcomes questions, concerns, and comments and invites people to contribute ideas and viewpoints to improve outcomes meant to benefit fishing cats and local residents. The brochure will be updated periodically and we plan to produce a more general version covering fishing cat conservation issues throughout Thailand.