Big Cats

Of all wild animals – perhaps some of the most majestic and elegant are the Big Cats. They need protection in every country. Many are endangered, with extinction in the wild for some species, a very real possibility. Of the 36 species of wild cats – it is estimated that about 75% of their numbers are in decline. As with all wild animals the reasons are numerous and complex.

The most common are:

Climte Change – Decline of Prey – Disease Caused by Drought – Habitat Loss – Human Conflict – Trophy Hunting – Wildlife Crime – Zoo and Circus Attractions.

One of the most serious threats is Wildlife Crime – big, organized, international, illegal crime. Elephants – rhinos and tigers are in serious danger. With elephants and rhinos – the tusks are removed and the rest of the body is left where it has fallen.

However with Tigers the entire body is butchered and sold for profit in illegal wildlife markets. The tail – whiskers – hide – teeth – claws – pelt – head and feet. The tiger’s body parts are sold to satisfy the relentless traditional medicine market, unscrupulous people and more recently as status symbols for the emerging, wealthy Asian elite.

We need to pay attention as a global community to this systematic murder of wild life. If not – then we will look back on a world that was once magnificently populated by these incredible creatures and know that we failed them. We will have to live with the knowledge that we let them down through our collective apathy, ignorance and neglect.

SPECIAL NOTE – Excluded are the all the amazing people and organiations worldwide who are campaigning for all creatures and for the planet. Every victory – large or small – comes with thanks to you.