Connect and Protect: Fighting for Wild Cats in 2025

By John Goodrich, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist

SEBASTIAN KENNERKNECHT
SEBASTIAN KENNERKNECHT

At Panthera, we’re driven by a deep love for the wild and an unwavering commitment to protect it. Our work centers on protecting the world’s 40 wild cat species and the ecosystems they call home— because when wild cats thrive, so do the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that depend on them. 

Through cutting-edge research, bold conservation programs, and strong partnerships, we’re creating lasting connections between people and nature. From iconic species like tigers, lions, pumas, and leopards to the often-overlooked small wild cats, our work is about ensuring a future where every species thrives.  

As we head into 2025, our work goes beyond saving individual species—it’s also about preserving the delicate balance of nature itself. Whether tackling challenges like habitat loss, poaching, or human-cat conflict, we remain committed to building a world where wild cats and people can coexist, and ecosystems can flourish because these are the conditions under which wild cats thrive. 

Panthera
© PANTHERA

Strengthening Global Conservation  

As we advance our mission to Connect and Protect, we’ve strengthened our global conservation efforts through meaningful collaborations with partners, communities, and governments. Looking forward, we are dedicated to expanding and enhancing these initiatives to create a lasting impact for wild cats and their habitats. 

2024 Recap: How Our Partnerships Fueled Meaningful Change:
  1. Reflecting on Partnerships This World Wildlife Day 
  2. Partnering with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities 
  3. Bhutan and the Tiger Conservation Coalition Commit to Catalyzing US$1 Billion for Tigers  
Panthera
© Panthera

Understanding Green Corridors and
Their Role in Wildlife Conservation 

Green corridors are natural or restored pathways that connect fragmented habitats, allowing wildlife to move safely between them. These corridors are vital for wild cats, enabling them to find food, mates, and shelter while avoiding human conflict.  

Green corridors play a critical role in conserving wild cat populations by ensuring genetic diversity and resilience against habitat loss. By linking protected areas and minimizing barriers like roads or urban development, green corridors help sustain ecosystems and protect biodiversity for the future. 

Read More About Our Work on Green Corridors: 
  1. Jaguar Corridor Initiative   
  2. Sharing the Planet: Panthera’s Work to Increase Coexistence with Wild Cats 
  3. Crossing the Road Between Conservation and Tragedy 
  4. Home is Where the Habitat Is: An in-depth look into Panthera’s Sabi Sands Leopard Project 
DNP/Panthera
© DNP/Panthera

Protecting Wild Cats in Crisis:
Expanding Conservation Efforts in High-Risk Regions 

Our projects in Africa, Asia, Middle East and the Americas enhance protected areas and implement cutting-edge technology for wildlife monitoring. By utilizing camera traps and GPS collars, we gain invaluable insights into the behavior and movement patterns of species like jaguars, leopards and tigers and threats to their survival.  

Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in our mission. Our educational programs such as La Escuela Jaguar, raise awareness about the importance of wild cats and biodiversity, threats to their existence, solutions to those threats, and foster a sense of stewardship. By connecting people with the beauty and significance of wild cats, we hope to inspire a new generation of conservationists. 

Help spread our mission worldwide by sharing our educational toolkit and resources. 

Panthera
© Panthera

Welcoming 2025:
A New Chapter for Wild Cat Conservation 

Join us this year and be part of something extraordinary and protect wild cats and ensure a harmonious coexistence for generations to come.  

Together, with supporters like you, we’re shaping a brighter, wilder future—one that benefits us all as we continue to Connect and Protect the wild places and species that are crucial to our planet’s health. 

Learn more about how you can help protect wild cats.