The environmental news network Mongabay recently published a list of the five most endangered wild cat species. They are:
- The tiger (Panthera tigris): 2,154-3,159 mature individuals in the wild
- The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps): 2,499 mature individuals in the wild
- The Bornean bay cat (Catopuma bardia): 2,200 mature individuals in the wild
- The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita): 1,378 mature individuals in the wild
- The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus): 156 mature individuals in the wild.
The original article, written by Genevieve Belmaker, contains additional information about the threats facing the above cats. In addition, clicking on their scientific names (in parentheses next to each cat’s English name) will take you to their IUCN Red List pages. There you will find a detailed description of each species’ conservation status.
As you may have noticed, the Iberian lynx’s situation is especially dire. They have been hard hit by habitat degradation and a decline in European rabbit numbers: on which the cats almost totally rely for prey. Due to aggressive conservation measures, including a state-of-the-art captive breeding program, the Iberian lynx has begun to recover – although they are still highly endangered.
What beauties!!
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They certainly are! I think Iberian lynx are some of the most beautiful cats, and that’s saying a lot!
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They are all unique and beautiful in their own way. One of the cats reminded me of a cross between a lemur & meerkat, less their coloring, of course.
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I love the ear tufts on a lynx… they remind me of those beautiful European squirrels I wish we had in America…
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The European squirrels are pretty cool-looking. And as far as I know Iberian lynx usually don’t eat squirrels: they focus mostly on rabbits. So Spain might be a good place for you to visit!
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Snow leopard is my favorite, with the stark colors and all.
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Snow leopards certainly are gorgeous! Their stark colors are functional too: they help make snow leopards hard to spot in rocky landscapes
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Iberian Lynx are stunning!
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They certainly are! When you have time, I’d recommend reading a little bit about their story; It’s quite remarkable.
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Only knew about the tigers. Your posts are really informative. Thanks a lot GiJo
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Thanks Gundappa :) I’m glad I could help you learn a little bit about the other four species. One of these days I want to publish a series of posts about the Iberian lynx; their story is quite fascinating.
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Yes please. I’d love to read and learn about them. You’re the best GiJo :)
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Okay then, I’ll start working on those posts as soon as I have time! :)
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But please do not stretch yourself too much. Take your time :)
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Don’t worry, I’m pretty good at prioritizing my activities :)
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Why not, after all you’re GiJo 😉
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;)
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