Wild Cat Conservation & Healthy Ecosystems
Iberian lynx in Huelva, Andalusia, Spain. © naturpel · some rights reserved
Why Should Wild Cat Conservation Matter To You?
Wild cats are apex predators. This means they are at the top of the food chain. Almost nothing preys on them and their biggest threats are humans. Many people only consider a wild cat’s encounters with humans. They see them as a threat to livestock, pets, and hikers.
But did you know that mountain lions are not naturally dangerous or violent? Did you know that, when given the choice, they choose to go after their natural prey, not livestock?
Wild cats serve a critical role as a keystone species. They keep local ecosystems in balance.
Without them, the animals they prey on run rampant. Those animals overeat and we lose natural, local vegetation. This is a problem we already face as we build on valuable resources and introduce invasive species.
When we lose local vegetation, we throw ecosystems out of order. Local nature becomes overrun with invasive species. They dominate space and resources.
But wild cat conservation—along with holistic ecosystem maintenance—can help us maintain our biodiversity and beautiful nature.
Photo of bobcat courtesy of and copyright Shelley Alger.
How Does Felidae Conservation Fund Help Preserve Local Ecosystems?
Our goal is to create harmony between humans and wild cats.
Through our approach to wild cat conservation, we are making a difference today. We work with communities near wild cats to help our neighbors understand them! Humans are the biggest threat to wild cats. When we have a scary wild cat encounter, we develop harsh opinions - even though they usually do not mean harm. Then, humans see the solution as wild cat eradication. But if we can learn to live with them... We can preserve our local ecosystems and save wild cats!
This is why we offer adult and youth education. We also design and lead world-class research studies, strategy, planning, funding, media, field support, and logistics.
Surveying tracks as part of the Fishing Cats in Thailand project.
How Does Our Research Help With Wild Cat Conservation?
All over the world, we conduct non-invasive research. This helps us better understand wild cats and how they interact with human populations. Instead of collaring and tagging, we use cameras, community science, and DNA! This non-invasive technology gives us good knowledge of how wild cats act naturally. We can better understand their movements, too.
Using our research, we work with neighborhoods, ranchers, and communities. These populations are often impacted by local wild cats. We help them understand how to conserve their local ecosystem! This way, wild cats’ natural prey flourish and provide plenty of food in the wild. Then wild cats don’t have to come near humans. We also teach them about their local wild cats and how to live near them.
Our ultimate goal is human and wild cat safety. So we can have a healthy relationship that allows us to preserve our local ecosystems and biodiversity!
Do You Have 2-4 Hours A Month To Preserve Your Local Ecosystem?
Our volunteers are the driving force behind making true change in ecosystem health and wild cat conservation. Some like to volunteer in the field, others help us maintain our online presence, and some work with events. With just a few hours a month, you can make a difference, too.
Make A Difference Right Now
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our work is only possible because of generous donors like you.
More than 90% of your donation will go directly to our groundbreaking research, outreach, and education programs.
This is where true change starts. If you’d like to be a part of it, make a donation to Felidae Conservation Fund today:
Or,