West African Leopards Reclassified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List
West Africa’s leopards, a subpopulation of the African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), has collapsed by around 50 % over the past two decades, prompting the IUCN to reclassify the regional population as Endangered rather than Vulnerable.
Only about 350 mature individuals are estimated to remain across 11 countries, and these leopards are largely genetically isolated from Central African populations.
The decline is driven by habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and hunting (both for skins and to reduce competition for bushmeat).
Conservationists urge a coordinated West Africa–wide strategy: better park patrolling, awareness campaigns to reduce poaching and use of traditional “grigris,” and cross-border cooperation.
Their argument is that losing this apex predator signals severe ecosystem stress and further declines in prey and biodiversity.
Source: Panthera - West African Leopards Are Now Endangered, But There’s Still a Chance to Change Course
Impact of Cultural Demand on the Wild Cats of Africa
"The role that cultural demand plays in driving hunting and trade of many species of wildcats is poorly understood.
Research commissioned by the wildcat conservation NGO Panthera found widespread use across Africa by traditional leaders, healers and participants in cultural ceremonies.
Leopards were the most commonly identified species, followed by lions, servals and cheetahs.
The researchers say recognizing the cultural contexts in which carnivores are used can help conservationists design interventions that are culturally sensitive and locally relevant."
Source: Mongabay - Study reveals overlooked cultural threat to wild cats across Africa
18 Scottish Wildcats released into the Cairngorms NP, Scotland
In 2025, the Saving Wildcats partnership released 18 more wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) into the Cairngorms, bringing the cumulative total to 46 individuals reintroduced into the Scottish Highlands.
This marks the third consecutive year of releases after the native wildcat was considered functionally extinct in Britain in 2019.
Some of the released females have already successfully produced litters in 2024 and 2025, which boosts hope that a self-sustaining population could become established.
The project emphasizes that further breeding, releases, and protection of the existing animals (from threats like road collisions, hybridisation, and extreme weather) remain essential.
Because the initiative lost access to EU LIFE funding post-Brexit, it now urgently seeks new financial support and community engagement.
Source: Saving Wildcats - 18 more wildcats released into the Cairngorms as new population takes hold
Note: The Scottish Wildcat is a sub-population of the European Wildcat.
Copper Mining May Threaten Rare Andean Cat in Chile
"In Chile’s Valparaíso region, researchers say a proposed large-scale open-pit copper mine threatens a recently recorded Andean Cat (Leopardus jacobita) population and its habitat.
The Vizcachitas project, owned by Los Andes Copper Ltd., is located on a rich copper deposit and has been presented by the company as a solution to help meet the demands of the global green energy transition.
Government officials and courts have decided the project is compatible with the presence of the Andean Cat, while community members and conservationists raise concerns about the potential impacts on this rare feline species, status Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The Putaendo municipality and local organizations have requested that the Ministry of Environment in Chile declare the affected area a protected area to safeguard the Andean Cat and other endemic species."
Source: Mongabay - Researchers fear Chile copper project may threaten rare Andean cat population
Leave a Reply