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THE FISHING CAT. 
Felis viverrina. Native names : Mach Biral , Beng.; Bagdasha , Khupia 
Bagh, Hind. 
Habitat. —Bengal, Orissa, and throughout the Gangetic plain ; the Southern 
Malabar Coast, the base of the Western Himalayas and Burma. Is found in 
marsh land and thickets bordering rivers, swamps and creeks. Is exceedingly 
savage ; feeds principally on fish and molluscs, occasionally devours snakes, and 
will even destroy calves, lambs and dogs. 
Description. —Colour variable from earthy grey with a brownish tinge, to 
almost dark brown ; paler or almost white below and spotted throughout with 
black or dark brown elongated spots. Forehead to nape of neck lined, with 
lines of spots down the back ; cheeks greyish white ; throat and fore neck banded ; 
markings on limbs variable ; lower parts spotted ; tail ringed. 
Measurements. —Head and body, 30 ins.; tail, 11 ins.; height, 15 ins.; 
weight, 17 lbs. 
THE LEOPARD CAT. 
Felis Begalensis. —Native names : Cheeta billee , Hind. ; Ban biral, Beng. ; 
Wagati W.l. ; ThitJcyoimg , Burma. 
