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Over the past one hundred years, wild cats of all species have become increasingly rare.
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reflection of a tiger
caught in a forest pool
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This century has seen the extinction of several subspecies of wild cats, including the Indian cheetah; the Bali, Javan, and Caspian tigers; the Taiwanese clouded leopard; and the Alpine lynx. The primary threat to wild cats is loss of habitat and prey to human development and deforestation. However, hunting remains a threat as well. Preservation programs are under way. Zoos are developing captive breeding programs, and conservation organizations are trying to prevent further habitat loss. In 1988, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species banned the export of furs and body parts of the most threatened species of wild cats. |
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Produced by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. © Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Foundation This page was made possible by a grant from Friskies PetCare Company and the National Science Foundation. All photographic images contained within these Web pages ARE COPYRIGHTED and may not be reproduced or utilized in any manner without the express written consent of the owner. Original photograph of tiger reflection from SunSITE Japan Multimedia Collection Page design by Jim Angus |