Training and Education
P. Meier
Capacity building and training of conservationists and biologists is an important objective of the Cat Specialist Group. In this regard, the Cat SG collaborates with a number of organisations and institutions. The Cat SG also conducts its own training courses and has developed some capacity building materials.
P. Meier
The IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group developed the Cat Conservation Compendium (CCC) in 2015. The CCC is a short document, with a minimum number of references, meant to provide checklist-like step-by-step guidance for the development and implementation of a cat conservation programme. It includes guidance on how to
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Prepare the ground for a conservation programme
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Do a status review
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Develop a (Regional) Conservation Strategy and (National) Action plans
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Implement strategies and action plans and
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Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and success of Conservation Strategies, National Action Plans and conservation programmes.
The Cat Conservation Compendium follows the same principals as the IUCN SSC Guidelines for Species Conservation Planning and the IUCN Species Strategic Plan. The CCC is meant as a self-teaching tool but also used in training courses on strategic species planning.
S. Clayton
IUCN Red List Assessment Training
The Cat SG provides free online training courses in regard to assessing (cat) taxa for the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM:
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The introductory course gives you a good first overview on the conduction of a (sub-)species assessment for the IUCN Red List, the steps included in such an assessment as well as definitions of terms used in the RLA process and the IUCN Categories and Criteria. It also highlights some issues that can arise when assessing cat species. This course is suitable for all people with or without RLA experience.
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The advanced course focuses on specific questions and issues that can arise when assessing cat (sub-)species. This course is suitable for people with experience in Red Listing or those who have done a basic RLA course.
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The mapping course has a focus on how to create distribution maps for cat species, especially when few records and information is available (under development)
The target audience are Cat SG members or anyone working in Cat Conservation that already assess or plan to assess (sub)species of cats for the Red List. Planned courses are listed below. For any questions, please contact Tabea Lanz at t.lanz@kora.ch
There is also a free online training course on the IUCN Red List Assessment and the Green Status Assessment available here.
The Cat SG periodically offers Cat Conservation Courses for young scientists. These courses include theoretical approaches, strategic concepts, and practical field applications for the conservation, recovery and management of wild cat populations. The physical courses last approximately three weeks in a small group of about six participants. Online Cat Conservation Courses last for four weeks containing taught sessions as well as exercises and group work to be done between sessions. Skillful candidates with a basic education in ecology and wildlife research, and practical experience in field work are personally invited to participate in the Cat Conservation Course. Candidates must be actively involved in cat research/conservation or have a realistic prospect to work in such projects in the near future. They must be able to communicate (orally and written) in English. Although participation in this course is through personal invitation, we expect that the candidates’ employer or home institution to support his/her advanced training. To date, Cat Conservation Courses have been conducted in 2010, 2012 and 2019. For any questions, please contact t.lanz@kora.ch.
Training courses
Cat Conservation Courses