The population, not the species or subspecies, is the unit of conservation

Jim Sanderson

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Switzerland, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization promoting nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The IUCN is best known for maintaining and updating the Red List, the most current assessment of a species' extinction risk. A standard grading system is used. Many species are presently Least Concern meaning they have the lowest extinction risk. Next are species that are Near Threatened. Three categories of threatened species are: Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered. Two categories we want to avoid are: Extinct in the Wild, and lastly Extinct. Two other categories are Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. No wild cats are listed as Data Deficient or Not Evaluated.

The keyword to focus on is "species." For instance, according to the IUCN Red List, the present status of the Leopard (Panthera pardus) is Vulnerable But let's dig a little deeper. First, knowing something about the geographic distribution of the species we call Leopard is vital. The Leopard occurs in Africa, much of Asia including the Arabian peninsula, Turkey and the Middle East, the Russian Northeast, and on the islands of Java and Sri Lanka. Any species on an island likely has a smaller population than those on a continent. Surely, not all of the subspecies of Leopard are Vulnerable. In fact, the IUCN Red List includes assessments of subspecies. For instance, the Arabian leopard (L. pardus nimr) is considered Critically Endangered. In reality, something we call a Leopard is an imaginary creature, an average of all extant Leopards that simple does not exist. It's something like the average human being, remembering to include both sexes into one so-called average human, that does not exist.

The Leopard we imagine is in actuality many very different Leopards surviving in different habitats, living under different conditions, and enduring different threats. They do not even look the same. Moreover, the same is true for most wild cats. Even a casual observer can distinguish the Guigna subspecies Leopardus guigna tigrillo inhabiting the Mediterranean climate of Chile from the dense, wet, forest-dwelling southern Guigna subspecies L. g. guigna. As might be expected, the northern subspecies is becoming rare while the southern subspecies is holding its own. Moreover, molecular analysis has revealed five distinct populations in Chile and a small part of Argentina. So what is the IUCN Red List status of the species we call Guigna? Is the status the average of Least Concern and Endangered? More importantly, what is the status of each population? How can category variables be averaged? What is the average of the letters of the alphabet?

Because the answer does not impact our conservation efforts, the answer makes no difference. Why is this? Recall the race to extinction between the Andean cat and the Passenger pigeon. In 1870, their IUCN Red List Status would have been Endangered and Least Concern, respectively. Today, their IUCN Red List status is Endangered and Extinct, respectively. However, extinction risk has nothing to do with rarity or abundance; it's about threats. Fortunately, the IUCN Red List assessment includes an analysis of threats. Species can be rare but if threats are few, then their IUCN Red List status should be ranked lower than a less rare species facing multiple threats. But is this actually the case? Call me skeptical.

Like the Leopard, and like small wild cats, focusing on species or even subspecies falls short of what SWCCF wants to achieve. As early as 1850, Charles Darwin recognized that populations, not individuals, evolve. And let's face it—preserving the process of evolution is fundamental to conserving all living things (Earthlings). Thus, because the population is the unit of evolution, the population must also be the unit of conservation. Regardless of the Red List status of a single Pampas cat species or the status of five Pampas cat species does not matter to SWCCF. Every population of Pampas cats matters. Nevertheless, having five Pampas cat species aids our conservation efforts because each country with Pampas cats must act to conserve their species that might well be an endemic species such as the Colocolo (Leopardus colocola colocola) in Chile. Besides being endemic to Chile, the Colocolo inhabits the Mediterranean ecosystem and thus would most likely have IUCN Red List status Endangered.

Thus, whenever I write: No small cats left behind, I mean that all small cat populations must be conserved regardless of their present IUCN Red List status. Conserving every population of small wild cat is SWCCF's mission. That's why we work with and support anyone working anywhere to reduce threats to small wild cats. Moreover, when a threat is eliminated, more than likely, many co-occurring species of small cats and other wildlife benefit. That's the fundamental difference between conservation and research. Threat reduction actions benefit many species; typical research benefits just one.

Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation

Community Conservation in Nagaland, NE India

Giri Malla, India, Eastern Himalaya Marbled Cat Project

Our project in Nagaland has achieved a great milestone recently. Community Conservation Area's Forum (CCA's), a network of 30 CCA's all across Nagaland, has given support for our project on small wild cats. We are gathering in Khonoma on 24th of May and forming Clouded leopard conservation communities to address threats and conflicts related to all small cat species in Nagaland. This is the first project of its kind in NE India where something for small wild cats is happening. But there is even more to this story. I believe we are witnessing a cultural change that, with our leadership and funding, might well become a transformative conservation revolution.

As you can see in the above picture, the tribal areas in NE India are changing rapidly. The rise of a new generation is demanding conservation of all things wild, of nature, and of their cultural heritage. Our small cat conservation efforts are being welcomed and joined wherever we go, not just in the state of Nagaland but in other neighboring states as well.

I'm very happy that this is happening in Nagaland, a lesser-known NE state of India where hunting is a cultural sport in some parts. Our efforts are opening the doors to small cat conservation and I'm sure this will lead to greater accomplishments in NE India. We recorded some excellent trail camera images of Clouded leopards, and Golden cats recently. Also, Angami Student Union of Nagaland, in their recent 31st meeting, approved a Clouded leopard mascot for their meetings and gatherings. This is truly a positive sign for our project.

Eastern Himalaya Marbled Cat Project (in progress)

Empowering Communities, Protecting Wildlife: Sustainable Conservation in Ongo Community Forest

Byron Ssemambo, Uganda, African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance

In the heart of Ongo Community Forest, a transformative initiative is reshaping both livelihoods and conservation efforts. To reduce reliance on bushmeat hunting, our project established livestock seed banks, distributing 30 female goats to households as a sustainable source of protein and income. Beneficiaries were trained in animal husbandry, ensuring they could effectively breed and care for their livestock.

Through the "pass-on-the-gift" model, the program is expanding organically. Six goats have already produced 10 kids, with six passed on to new households and four more set to be shared in the coming months. This cycle fosters community collaboration and long-term sustainability, allowing more families to benefit from alternative livelihoods while reducing pressure on forest resources through illegal hunting.

At the same time, wildlife protection efforts are yielding positive results. Community monitors conduct regular anti-poaching patrols, leading to the removal of four snares (one pictured above) and one wooden trap used for capturing wild birds and other wildlife inclusive African golden cats. These patrols are critical in safeguarding the African golden cat and ensuring a safer environment for biodiversity. By integrating alternative livelihoods with conservation, our initiatives are creating lasting change, empowering communities while securing the future of Ongo Community Forest and its unique wildlife.

African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance

From Hunters to Guardians: Reformed Poachers Leading African Golden Cat Conservation

Isaac Twinomuhangi, Uganda, African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance

With vibrant testimonies from Kayoha-Kitomi Collaborative Forest Management groups deep within the dense forest of Kasyoha-Kitomi where the African golden cat roams, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Former poachers, once driven by the need to survive, have now become important protectors of the wildlife they once hunted. Through community-driven conservation initiatives, these individuals are proving that with the right guidance and support, change is not only possible but also powerful and permanent.

Recognizing the challenges that led to poaching, we have introduced alternative livelihood projects, such as livestock seed banks and community-led small loan programs. These initiatives provide a stable source of income offering a sustainable path to support families while aiding recovery of the surrounding environment. With goats and other resources, these reformed poachers can now build a future without relying on illegal activities.

The impact goes beyond personal change, too. These community ambassadors are actively spreading conservation awareness, sharing their stories to discourage others from poaching, and encouraging wildlife protection. By supporting such initiatives, our financial partners are improving people's lives and saving wildlife at the same time. Together, we can turn poachers into conservationists, ensuring a safer future for the African golden cat and its habitat.

As Jim always says, conservation is a social science. We work with people to improve their lives and they in turn help us achieve our goal of saving small wild cats and their habitats. I'd like to add that my project is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance

SWCCF News 2025 05

The population, not the species or subspecies, is the unit of conservation Jim Sanderson