IUCN Red List for Cats plus trends and population sizes
![]() The best techniques for counting numbers, scats and camera traps, are not always accurate. In addition taxonomy (classification of species) is still an evolving subject that can cause a bit of confusion. The chart below has been carefully compiled from two excellent sources (a) Wild Cats Of The World by Mel and Fiona Sunquist pages 411 and 412 ISBN-13: 978-0-226-77999-7 and (b) the online IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.Below the main chart you will find further information in relation to the IUCN Red List for cats. This is earlier work from 2008 that adds and sometimes overlaps but is presented here nonetheless. Is the IUCN independent? |
Introduction – IUCN Red List for cats The situation regarding the IUCN Red List for cats (the source below is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™) is set out in the table below and is the situation as at the date(s) in the heading to the table. Things change (usually for the worse). I will try and keep up. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is an organization that assesses the situation of wild species, worldwide, in respect of their survivability in the wild and the threat of their extinction. This should promote their conservation, but I reluctantly question whether it does. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List categories are set out in their well known scale or chart: ![]() IUCN Red List for Cats — The symbols mean the following:
The wild cats – as at Oct 2008 – things change – IUCN Red List for cats These are the world’s wildcat species (some sub-species are shown) and the IUCN category assigned to them. There is also a column CITES showing whether the cat is listed under Appendix I – most endangered. See CITES in relation to cats.
note 1 – Leopard cat – listed in CITES Appendix I in relation to this cat inhabiting Bangladesh, India and Thailand only note 2 – Cougar – listed in CITES Appendix I in relation to the Cougar, the Florida Cougar or Panther and the Costa Rican Cougar. Comment – IUCN Red List for Cats What is the overall position regarding the wild cats? If the category EX=1 and the category LC=7, the average position for all cats is: 5.5, which equates to being in between vulnerable and near threatened. I think the categorization is a little generous. Appendix I of CITES lists species that are “most endangered”. There seems to be a conflict between CITES and IUCN unless I am missing something. For example, the Ocelot is listed as LC (least threatened) under IUCN and as most endangered under CITES. There are other, what appears to be, differences of opinion. Of course, the criteria between the two is different. One, CITES is concerned with the trade in species and body parts and the other, IUCN, is concerned with the extent of the treat to the existence of the species. One however, is linked to the other. Assessments – IUCN Red List for CatsUpdate: Controversial note: I am sure some, perhaps most, of the Red List assessments are correct. But I am also sure that some are not. Take just one reason. There is a distinct lack of accurate data on wildcat population numbers. A lot of wildcats inhabit countries where there is corruption at governmental levels and where there is an economic reason to misrepresent wildcat population figures. I would not be surprised if the providers of data are sometimes working under a conflict of interest. Do we know the population on a regional basis of the Lynx for example? I don’t think that we do. Without this fundamental data it could be argued that the Red List could achieve the opposite of its intended goal. It could assist the destruction of wildcats rather than preserve them by lulling people into an apathetic stance in respect of wildcats that might in fact require urgent action. I made a post about this: IUCN Red List Assessment SpectatorIt seems that the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is recording the demise of species rather than acting as a motivator to others to do something about it. I must presume that one of the underlying objectives of the Red List is to alert people to conservation issues that require attention. Yet often these problems are not addressed. This must be because of commercial pressure on the ground that blunts efforts and dictates outcomes. If information is not acted upon there is little use in it. This undermines the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It might be time for a change in the relationships between the various conservation organizations and to bring in some sort of international enforcement. The wild species of this world, including the wild cats, belong to the world and not individual countries. International treaties should be enforced at an international level. I don’t see this. Some countries fall down badly in respect of enforcement and where this happens in respect of endangered species (I am thinking of the tiger) there is an argument that international teams should be allowed in to enforce legislation (including local legislation) and treaties. It is time for real change and effectiveness. Many people want to see good news and population growth not perpetual decline in wild species, particularly the wildcats. Regional variationsI also feel that where there are regional differences in the survivability of a wildcat as is the case for the Eurasian Lynx, a choice is presented. The Eurasian Lynx is endangered in Europe (critically in Portugal) yet it is classified overall as Least Concern because of the cats “wide range”. I don’t understand that as illegal hunting is “considered” to be the major threat. A wide range does not mean high and stable population. I presume that the population of the Eurasian Lynx is considered relatively stable and high because of its presence in Russia, a large area. I think that where there are regional variations the choice is:
I favor number 2 above as there is a general downwards trend and people need to be alerted to this. Least Concern sends the signal that illegal hunting can continue without proper enforcement. In other words assessing more cautiously is the best route in the long term. And the whole thing is about long term strategies. IUCN Red List for Cats — Source: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org Photograph:published under a Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs creative commons License |