Cats and Kings: First Africa-Wide Study of Its Kind Reveals Widespread and Under-Reported Cultural Use of Carnivore Skins and Parts Across the Continent

From rituals to regalia, carnivore parts – especially those of the leopard – used in 90% of African nations 

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New York, NY – In the first Africa-wide study of its kind, conservationists have found that the cultural use of carnivore skins and body parts is far more widespread than previously believed – evident in nearly 90% of African nations – and is a key driver of poaching, impacting wildlife trade and affecting vulnerable animal populations across the continent.  

The study from Panthera, the wild cat conservation organization, the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town collected data from nearly 600 published sources and 555 YouTube videos to identify the use of skins, claws, organs, and other derivatives from 33 carnivore species in 48 of the continent’s 54 countries. The species most commonly reported were leopards (45 countries), lions (37), servals (34), and cheetahs (28), particularly used by tribespersons, religious groups, and political leaders. Spotted pelages and other parts were often donned as traditional attire symbolizing power and other traits at ceremonial gatherings. Carnivores were also commonly hunted and sold for the bushmeat trade and used in traditional medicine practices, including rituals and paraphernalia for divination sets. 

Interestingly, scientists were able to leverage YouTube’s personalized algorithm to uncover additional leads. The mixed-method analysis enabled the authors to characterize key cultural uses driving carnivore hunting and trade across Africa, map regional and national trafficking nexuses, and explore factors sustaining these practices. 

While there has been limited research to date on the cultural use of skins and other carnivore parts across Africa, this study – unique in its scale, scope and breadth – aims to provide conservationists and policymakers with evidence to guide interventions geared at protecting these species from poaching and illegal trafficking while also respecting cultural practices.  Scientists hope that the findings, which demonstrate the hotspots and extent of carnivore use and trade, and the harvesting supplying it, will inform IUCN Red List assessments, an evaluation tool for species' extinction risks and a guide to advance biodiversity protection. 

“The cultural use of carnivore skins and body parts across Africa is vast, underestimated, and understudied,” said Vivienne Williams, Visiting Senior Researcher at the University of Witwatersrand’s School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences. “Our findings reveal an uncountable number of users—larger groups we were aware of, but also millions of others who have not been part of traditionally defined user groups. Despite use and trade being more widespread than previously thought, tailored conservation efforts can absolutely work with cultural traditions, rather than against them, ensuring the preservation of both heritage and biodiversity for generations to come.” 

The study also analyzed evidential links between 40 source (exporting/supplying) and sink (importing/receiving) countries involved in the trade and trafficking of skins and body parts. Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia found to be exporting countries with the most links to importing countries; conversely, Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, and South Africa were importing countries with the most links to exporting countries. 

Gareth Whittington-Jones, Director of Panthera’s Counter Wildlife Crime Program, stated, “From rituals to regalia, leopards and other wild carnivores are being targeted at rates that, if left unchecked, will decimate species numbers. Knowing that many are driven to hunting and trading due to socioeconomic conditions, these findings will very much help us to scan the horizon and engage other user groups to develop alternative solutions that conserve the lives of wild animals and honor Africa’s rich cultures.” 

While the deep-rooted and widespread practice of using animal parts throughout cultures raises concerns for species’ long-term survival, the findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive behavior change campaigns as alternatives to prosecution and the criminal justice system. Authors pointed to demand-reduction strategies like Furs For Life – a 12-year initiative to reduce wild cat poaching in southern Africa by using synthetic rather than authentic “Heritage Furs” in ceremonial regalia – as a way for the continued observance of African spiritual and cultural traditions without unsustainable exploitation. The program has saved over 7,500 wild cats across southern Africa since 2013, and recently announced a partnership with the Ngoni Royal Establishment of eastern Zambia to expand its reach to over 7 million people.  

Findings showed skins and other carnivore parts were more likely to be worn in higher quantities from July to September – months that coincide with cultural events in Eastern and Southern Africa, such as the Ngoni Kingdom’s Nc'wala ceremonies and the Lozi People’s Kufuluhela ceremonies.  

While some new traditional market surveys out of west and southern Africa were incorporated into this study’s findings, most data were aggregated from previously published wildlife trade studies across Africa, upscaling individual country and market findings to the continent level. In some countries, conservationists found ongoing cultural significance of carnivores in regions where species are locally extinct or historically absent. 

The study underscored the persistence, revival and transformation of traditional practices and cultural expressions across Africa over the last half-century. Despite the suppression and erosion of cultural heritage and identity during colonial times, these traditions remain integral to the identity, history, beliefs, and values of diverse African communities. Conservationists recognize that understanding and engaging with these practices is important for developing culturally informed conservation strategies. 

This research was supported by the Royal Commission for AlUla.