02/02/2025
Today is World Wetlands Day, and in its honour, here is the flat-headed cat from this year’s calendar. 🐈
Read more on why preserving the wetlands is important below!
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World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2nd each year, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention (Iran) on Wetlands in 1971. It aims to raise global awareness about the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate, and providing essential ecosystem services like water purification, flood control, and carbon storage.
The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps), a rare and endangered wild cat native to the wetlands of Southeast Asia, exemplifies why wetland conservation is crucial. This species depends heavily on freshwater habitats like peat swamps, riverbanks, and mangroves for hunting and survival, as its diet consists mainly of fish and aquatic animals. However, the rapid loss and degradation of wetlands due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and pollution threaten its existence.
Highlighting species like the flat-headed cat on World Wetlands Day underscores the importance of protecting these ecosystems, not just for biodiversity but for maintaining ecological balance.
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