Endangered Cats and Habitat Loss

Human encroachment into critical habitat, loss of food sources and exposure to disease from domestic animals contribute to wildcat population declines.

When you think of endangered wild cats, tigers are probably the first species that comes to mind. And tigers are indeed endangered. Their populations are declining rather than increasing. But there are plenty of lesser-known wild cats that may be facing extinction as well.

In Spain and Portugal, the Iberian lynx is hanging on by a thread, with habitat and prey base restoration work providing some slight hope for recovery. In the United Kingdom, the Scottish wildcat is facing similar threats. In the United States, the Florida panther, while better known than the Iberian lynx and the Scottish wildcat, is no better off.

Habitat loss is the biggest issue for all endangered wild cats. The very reclusive nature of these animals makes them unlikely to do well near human habitation. Protecting critical habitat and reducing the number of feral cats in the area reduces the risk of diseases such as Feline Leukemia from spreading to the wild cats. It also reduces the incidence of interbreeding.

The Iberian lynx, the Scottish wildcat and the Florida panther each exist on the fringes of areas with significant human population. Having survived, albeit marginally, in these areas for some time these wild cats will be a good indicator of our ability to learn to co-exist with our wild neighbors.