IUCN Red List for 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

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

Update: 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

Spectator

Sometimes (and this is controversial too, I know) I just feel that the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is simply recording the demise of species rather than acting as a motivator 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 organisations 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 variations

I 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 particularly 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:

to list the regions separately on a formal basis
to assess on the more cautious side
to average the regional assessments

I favour 2 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.

From IUCN Red List for cats to Law and Cats

Source: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org

>. Downloaded on 27 October 2008.

Photograph: published under a Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs creative commons License