IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Foreman, G.E. | |
| Small Wild Felids: Not Just Pussycats | |
| (unknown): 2-7 | |
Many small cat species are threatened by habitat destruction in their native countries. The clearing of tropical rain forests for agriculture and cattle grazing continues at the rate of over 72,000 acres a day. By some estimations, all the rain forests could disappear in as little as 15 years with dire consequences for all the inhabitants of the earth. Some species of cats have learned to live along the fringes of civilization, but many more disappear along with their territories. Other cats (the spotted cats, lynx and bobcat) are being threatened by direct persecution from the fur trade. This exploitation for the sake of fashion further reduces some cats already made vulnerable by loss of habitat. In some of the smaller species, such as Geoffroy's cat from South America, at least 20 skins are needed to make one fur coat In 1980, 684,564 cat skins were traded legally worldwide, and 145,358 of these were labeled "Geoffroy's cat". Legal trade is thought to account for less than half of all trade in cat skins. Captive breeding by zoos has not been a successful conservation solution in most species, and far more individuals are removed from the wild than are born in captivity. {There were successful Geoffroy's cat births at only three U.S. zoos in 1985). Wild felids are essential members of their habitats and very beneficial to man in controlling rodent populations. It has become crucial that protection be granted and studies be undertaken before these unique animals disappear from the face of the earth. Both captive and wild studies are needed to try and preserve these species from extinction. |
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