Big cats under threat
03 March 2018
Today is UN World Wildlife Day. From habitat destruction to poaching, sadly, big cats are under threat. Here, we take a closer look at four threats you may not expect to be putting our feline friends at risk.
Bike cables hurting tigers
You might not associate bike cables with hunting. But in Asia, wire and cable from bicycles is being re-purposed into deadly snare traps – increasingly littering big cat habitat. This illegal hunting method is actually killing more big cats than guns across the Asian continent.
Soybeans putting jaguars at risk
Ok, so it’s not soybeans directly threatening South America’s largest cat. But much of their habitat is being cleared to make way for industrial sized farms for crops like soy. Due to their elusive nature we don't know how many jaguars are left in the wild, but we do know their numbers are declining, with habitat loss a major reason.
Retaliation killings threatening snow leopards
It might be hard for us to understand why anyone would want to kill a member of this amazing species. But to an angry herder who has just lost his precious livestock to a hungry snow leopard, killing in retaliation can be a temptation. In fact, with human and livestock populations expanding, retaliation killings are as great a threat to snow leopards as poaching.
Lion bone brings an added threat
You might have heard that some people around the world mistakenly believe that tiger bones can cure all kinds of illnesses. Well worryingly, with wild tiger populations so low, recent evidence shows lion bone is being used as a substitute in traditional Asian medicine – bringing another threat to lions.
How we’re helping big cats
From working with communities to prevent clashes between people and wildlife, to putting pressure on governments to help fight the illegal wildlife trade, we’re making a difference. In fact, in Nepal over 70% of snow leopard habitat is now protected, and wild tiger numbers have increased in India, Nepal and Russia.
We can protect big cats. But we can only do it together.
What you can do to help
These unexpected threats might have you worried about the future of our beloved big cats. But the good news is: you’re not alone.
Join us this UN World Wildlife Day to become part of a global movement protecting our planet and the incredible species which call it home. We can only continue our vital conservation work with people like you supporting us.