Protect the Paws: Simple Ways You Can Save Wild Big Cats
There are over 40 big cats worldwide, along with our own domestic moggies. Most are endangered.
How to help our big cat friends
All eight species of big cats are now endangered, with less than 5000 wild tigers left. Here are ways to help:
- Avoid palm oil (to keep forest homes intact for big cats).
- Write to your MP to demand the ban on trophy hunting imports becomes law (presently, some peers in the House of Lord are delaying the Bill by waffling on, due to vested interests).
- If you have TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), ask for written guarantees that no body parts of animals are used (tiger or rhino horn etc). It’s illegal, but some still get through.
- Never visit animal zoos. Wild animals are bored and miserable. There are plenty of organisations doing conservation world in their natural habitats. If you have any concerns at zoos here or abroad, report to Born Free’s Raise the Red Flag program.
Tigers are one of the world’s most majestic creatures, but also one of the most endangered. Shockingly, there are around 5,574 (World Animal Foundation) remaining in the wild. Some are also kept as pets or in ‘roadside zoos’.
The myth of ‘man-eating tigers’ arises from occasional attacks (around 50 a year), usually by hungry tigers, due to humans encroaching on their natural habitats (nearly all tigers who attack humans do so due to disabilities like bad teeth, we are not their natural diet).
Most attacks are by bored and stressed captive tigers in zoos and circuses. Recently in Thailand, 72 captive tigers died of a virus (when there are less than 5000 left in the wild) proving that conservation must be done in the wild, by experts.
Freedom for Animals has a great post on why not to visit zoos (average 20-second views by children are for entertainment, not education). Endangered species are far better helped in natural environments with proper space, weather and conservation experts.
Organic clothing to help tiger welfare
- Rapanui offers a beautiful organic cotton t-shirt to support work conserving tigers.
- Save Wild Tigers is a non-profit that supports organisations that investigate criminal networks that sell tiger skins and other goods. All t-shirts, tops and jumpers are made from organic cotton, made in a factory powered by green energy, sent in plastic-free packaging.
- ROAR organic cotton clothing supports WildCats Conservation Alliance, which helps wild tigers and Amur leopards. It currently funds projects in Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
Wild Tigers! Books to Inspire Children to Help
Tiger: The Big Cat With the Stripes is a beautifully illustrated guide, for children to learn why tigers have stripes, what makes them stick out their tongues, and how they survive.
Includes a serious message on how to help, written by a wildlife conservationist who works with local communities in Nepal, to study and protect tigers. She is also a science communicator who founded Project Conservation.
The Tiger’s Tale is a conservation story on one of the world’s most iconic animals, to tell the true story of the tragic disappearance of tigers from Panna Tiger Reserve in India, and finally their heroic return.
Interview with a Tiger (and other clawed beasts) is a fun book that gets up close with 10 fierce and furry beasts (including tigers) as they step up to the mic, and share their habits, behaviour, likes/dislikes, favourite foods and more.
It also features ‘interviews’ with a wolf, honey badger, giant armadillo, lion, giant anteater, jaguar, snow leopard, polar bear and three-toed sloth. Plus tips on how to help endangered species.
How to Talk to a Tiger looks at how animals communicate in the world. Also discover deer that sneeze to say hello and bees that waggle their tummies to show where the pollen is!
More big cats to help save!
Not just tigers, but there are many more endangered big cats around the world. All are at risk, again due to trophy hunting, poaching and loss of habitat.
Reclusive snow leopards
These beautiful creatures roam the remote mountains of Central Asia, blending into the rocky slopes with their smoky-grey fur, with black spots sand rosettes. Their thick coats and natural snow-shoes, make them ideal for these cold temperatures.
They tend to hunt on steep terrain for sheep and goats, but are rarely seen, earning them the name ‘ghost of the mountains’. But poaching and loss of natural prey means they are very endangered.
Majestic lions
Lions are very social cats that live in prides, family groups led by females, and males with their unmistakable manes. Lions roam mostly on grasslands and open woodlands in Africa and Indian forests, and hunt in teams to eat large animals like buffalo and zebra.
Lion Lights are helping farmers and lions to peacefully co-exist, jaguars, cheetahs and wildcats.
British hunters have killed over 60 lions since Cecil, yet the import ban is being debated). Ornithologist Hamza Yassin says ‘If hunting is a sport, let the animal have a rifle as well, and let it fire back at you’.
Rainforest jaguars
Jaguars live in the rainforests of South and Central America, beautiful big cats with gold coats and bold black ‘rosettes’. Their powerful jaws can even crush turtle shells, they also hunt in rivers for fish and capybaras, due to being excellent swimmers.
Their main risk is deforestation, so avoid palm oil and rainforest beef. And only buy sustainable soy.
Spotted leopards
These very clever and adaptable big cats live on savannas and in mountains in Africa and Asia, where their spotted coats offer camouflage in many landscapes, to hide from trouble and sneak up on prey.
Leopards can climb trees, so they often hunt birds to antelope, then haul the dead creatures up trees to eat. Their main threats are habitat loss and hunting.
Asian clouded leopards
Clouded leopards are smaller, using their cloud-shaped markings to help them hide in southeast Asian forests. They have flexible ankles and sharp claws, to help them move through the canopy.
These leopards mostly eat birds, small mammals and monkeys. Again their habitats are shrinking, due to logging and farming. So protecting their wild homes is key.
Super-fast cheetahs
Cheetahs are able to sprint faster than any land animal, due to their slender bodies. They have spotted coats and unique tear-shaped markings under their eyes, so are easy to recognise.
These creatures need open plains to chase gazelles and other small prey, so loss of habitat is their main risk. Unlike lions and leopards, they don’t climb well nor fight over food, so rely on speed and eyesight.
Cougars (mountain lions)
Also known as pumas or panthers, cougars roam the mountains of North America (and sometimes South America). Mostly hunting deer, their main threats are habitat loss and motor cars (the world’s biggest wildlife crossing being built in California is hoping to help).
Meet the Cats (an around the world adventure)
Meet the Catsis a fun around the world adventure, to meet eight of our endangered big cat friends. You’ll meet big cats that roar from high mountains, some who live on hot savannahs, and others that live in tall trees!
Explore the stunning landscapes where big cats live, and find a comparison chart to see how they compare, and a world map filled with big cat hotspots. You’ll even pick up tips on how to draw these clawesome creatures!
Big cats featured include:
- Tigers (less than 5000 left in the wild)
- Lions (brilliant parents, he’s king of the jungle!)
- Cheetahs (the fastest land mammal)
- Snow leopards (reclusive in the mountains)
- Panthers (big cats from the Americas)
Kate Peridot writes children’s books from her home in the south of France. She studied creative writing at The London School of Journalism and when not writing, likes to hike, swim and explore the world.
Illustrator Becca Hall lives in Cornwall, and graduated from Manchester School of Art with a first class honours degree. When not painting, she can be found surfing, walking with her dogs or enjoying a cuppa and slice of cake in one of the many local tea rooms.
