IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Myers, N. | |
| Conservation of Africa's cats: problems and opportunities | |
| 1984 Book Chapter | |
Africa's large cats, lion, leopard and cheetah, are losing numbers at accelerating rates. The attrition is due to 3 inter-related factors, i.e. loss of prey, loss of living space, and conflict with livestock raisers. The cheetah now features by far the lowest numbers (as has always been the case), and its relict populations continue to decline at ever-faster rates. The lion is in the process of being eliminated from many wildlands outside parks and reserves and is quickly becoming reduced to isolated populations. The leopard fares best, though its total stocks and overall range have declined drastically and unnecessarily for the most part. Small cats run into far less conflict with human activities, and they tend to be more covert and nocturnal. In certain circumstances the may even benefit from man's presence. In light of these circumstances, we need to develop a realistic and systematic strategy for conservation of Africa's large cats. This will include a methodical appraisal of priorities i.e. conservation initiatives that are likely to yield the best return per conservation dollar invested; and increased commercialization of the wildlife resources represented by the 3 large cats, provided that expanded exploitation through sport hunting can be practiced in sustainable fashion and best serves the needs of conservation. |
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