In recent years projects and resources for the conservation of small cats have increased remarkably. Nevertheless, small cat species receive considerably less attention than their larger relatives and are generally understudied. Information on these species is limited, and any information that does exist is not widely disseminated or easily accessible, hampering their conservation and their assessment for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species^TM. To identify knowledge gaps and to make sure that Red List Assessments RLAs are robust, streamlined and of the highest possible quality, the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group evaluated the RLA and knowledge available on small cats and produced a “Small Cat Report”. We produced species accounts including distribution maps considering all available information on the species since the last RLA until 2022. We evaluated the quality of information, the knowledge presented and the consistency of the last RLA as well as any new information that has become available since the last RLA. Our analyses showed that one of the main challenges is the (very) limited data base for most species. Another problem is the misunderstanding of certain RLA definitions and insufficient justification for the listing. We make recommendations on how to address any shortcomings and improve the RLAs. It is important that the IUCN Guidelines are well understood and that the listing of species is thoroughly explained. One essential point identified is the strengthening of small cat networks and working groups to enhance cooperation and maintain impetus for the conservation of the small cat species.

The rare red leopard phenotype is known from North West Province of South Africa, and is thought to have arisen from the exposure of recessive alleles, as a consequence of inbreeding due to overharvest. We documented red leopard records to date in the province, and based on satellite collared red leopards, appraised home-ranges, and the prospects of dispersal, while also examining behaviour via camera traps. Since 1976, seven records of red leopards were known for the province, where the prevalence within the bushveld ecoregion was ca. 4% since 2011 (n = 71). Home-ranges of red leopards showed both opportunistic philopatry, and immigration from elsewhere, suggesting gene spread. A red male leopard behaved as normal leopards would do and appeared dominant over another normal subadult male leopard after release, suggesting these leopards can defend territories. A record of a mature male leopard (> 7 years) north of the province suggested that longevity may not be compromised. The gene has likely remained masked in panmictic leopard populations, and only been exposed in fragmented subpopulations. This genetic variant should not receive prioritised attention as all leopards are equally vulnerable to systemic threats, and the threats may have resulted in gene fixation in the region.

Supporting Online Material

Table T1 and Figures F1 & F2

In Iraq, the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx is one of the rarest felines that is restricted to the Zagros Mountains range in northern Iraq (Kurdistan Region). Despite few sporadic historical records, its current status and distribution is still enigmatic. In this note, three new localities and the first breeding record of the Eurasian lynx in Iraq are provided. In addition, the species’ potential threats and notes on its conservation are highlighted.

Supporting Online Material

Videos 1–4

We report a camera trap record of the Asiatic wildcat Felis lybica ornata from Khar Centre, Kirthar National Park, Sindh, Pakistan. A singular photograph was taken close to human habitation on the outskirts of Karachi city during a camera trapping session targeted to capture Caracals Caracal caracal and Jungle cats Felis chaus. This record warrants further investigation and necessary conservation inputs due to its proximity to human settlements.

Melanistic leopards Panthera pardus have been frequently observed in parts of South and South-east Asia and occasionally in India. Using camera trap survey of large carnivores in Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. We deployed 74 camera traps at in Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary during 10 May to 13 July 2023 with a total sampling effort of 1,850 trap days. Out of 39,855 camera trap photographs, we obtained five photographs of melanistic leopards were recorded from the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, we provide photographic evidence of the melanistic leopards in Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern India.

Following the end of the ethnopolitical conflict in Manas National Park, Assam, we have reconfirmed the presence of the Asiatic golden cat Catopuma temminckii. Despite the species expected to occur in the region based on a direct sighting made in 2007, an intensive annual systematic camera trapping effort of 43,779 trap days over eight years between 2011 and 2019 yielded no records. Nevertheless, two photographic captures of the species were made in December 2019 and January 2021, reconfirming its presence in the park.

For large-scale, e.g. range-wide species assessments, a collation of records of various kinds such as direct observations, photographs, dead specimens, indirect signs or genetic samples is generally used. However, assessing reported records is not straightforward for elusive species such as the European wildcat Felis silvestris, which can furthermore be confused with the domestic cat Felis catus. Moreover, wildcat and domestic cat hybrids make the topic additionally complicated. In this article, we make a proposal on how to apply the so-called SCALP criteria for evaluating records, originally developed for the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx, to the European wildcat.

Supporting Online Material

SOM 1-3

Two new potential areas for Iberian lynx reintroduction were considered in Aragon, Spain. Human Dimension characteristics are considered apart from ecological ones. Interviews of local interest groups revealed a moderate positive view, with difference between areas and groups. An information campaign about the lynx and its coexistence with people should be developed, together with a better knowledge of possible conflicts with extensive shepherd farming. Locals should be involved in the initiative.

The use of wildlife derivative products has been identified as an important aspect of the culture of African peoples. Integrated in traditional medicine, fetish, spiritual and religious beliefs, as well as in various culturo-religious ceremonies, it results in a thriving domestic and transnational consumer demand for different wild animals and their body parts, including those of wild cats. We explored the trade in wild cat products in 20 markets in ten towns and cities within the Republic of Ghana and found that 75% of the markets visited sold felid body parts. Full leopard skins and leopard and lion skin pieces were the most common wild cat products sold, although both species are fully protected locally under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Conservation Regulations of 1971 (LI 685). Skins, skulls, bones, teeth, tails, body fat, paws and claws were mostly used for cultural, religious and spiritual purposes, with traditional healers, (religious) chiefs, ordinary people and those working in dangerous jobs reported as consumers. Our results highlight the extensiveness and scale of the trade in wild cat products, which has so far not been recognised in Ghana, and remains poorly documented in many parts of West Africa. Our work can form the basis for future research. We emphasise the necessity to better regulate the sale of wild cat products and understand the typology of people engaging in the trade and those who do not. Assessing opportunities and feasibility for complementary and coordinated demand reduction initiatives such as behaviour change campaigns would also be crucial if we are to better protect wild cats in the region.

Supporting Online Material

Table T1

We report the first camera-trap photographic record of a melanistic jaguar Panthera onca for northern Central America. Previous records had been reported from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and South America. Jaguars are extinct in El Salvador, and extensive camera trap surveys in Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua have not documented melanistic jaguars. Between 2007 and 2023, a survey effort of 13,296 night/cameras yielded 20 individual spotted jaguars and one melanistic jaguar in Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve in eastern Honduras. This reserve is also home for other regionally threatened and endangered species such as the white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari, Baird’s tapir Tapirus bairdii and the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla. Narco-trafficking operations have fueled a lack of environmental law enforcement in the area. The resulting deforestation, poaching, illegal cattle ranches and new roads in the area threaten this strategically important jaguar population.

We provide an update of jaguar predation trends on the four species of sea turtle that nest in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica, previously reported by our team for the period 2005–2013. The latest data provided here (period 2014–2022) allowed us to analyse predation rates over a larger temporal scale, and provide further evidence determining whether jaguars pose a threat to the survival of the sea turtle nesting populations at a local and regional level. Further, we described how our scientific data help to guide effective management actions to protect not only the four species of sea turtles but also the jaguar at a local level.

We conducted a questionnaire using the Participatory Research PR approach on Google Forms to collect information and data on the jaguarundi Herpailurus yagouaroundi for the IUCN Red List Assessment RLA. We collected information on ecological and conservation aspects from 69 participants from 18 countries, covering most of the species’ range and gathering novel information. So, the method proved to be efficient in collecting the needed data for the RLA. Although this technique will be improved over time and with more experience, we encourage researchers dealing with similar situations to consider this method as an additional source to obtain data from species where scientific or published information is scarce.

Supporting Online Material

SOM 1 and SOM 2