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ourwildcats.com
Our Wild Cats
@ourwildcats.com
37 followers 42 following 26 posts
Independent conservation communicator sharing facts, stories, and insights about wild cats, from the famous to the lesser-known, to inspire respect and protection for these fascinating species.

💼 🐾🌱 📍USA 🌍 www.ourwildcats.com
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ourwildcats.com
The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is a secretive, highly adaptable cat found across a wide range of habitats on the continent.

Its rosetted coat provides excellent camouflage, allowing it to excel as an ambush predator.

#10AfricanCatSpecies #AfricanLeopard 🐆 #Biodiversity #WildCatsOfAfrica
A young African leopard (Panthera pardus) partially concealed in tall grass, looking to the side in a grassy savanna habitat.
December 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
ourwildcats.com
The southern subspecies of African Lion, Panthera leo melanochaita (mel-an-oh-KAI-tuh), occurs across eastern and southern Africa. These populations include most of the continent’s remaining lions today and represent the majority of global lion numbers. 🦁 #10AfricanCatSpecies
A pride of African lions (Panthera leo) rests in tall grass on an open savanna. Several lionesses and subadult lions sit together in the center of the frame, while one lioness stands to the right. Leafless trees and woodland vegetation form the background of this typical savanna habitat.
December 6, 2025 at 5:28 PM
ourwildcats.com
The northern subspecies of the African lion is Panthera leo leo. It historically ranged across West, Central, and North Africa.

The Asiatic lions in India belong to this same subspecies and represent its last surviving population outside Africa. 🦁

#10AfricanCatSpecies
Asiatic lioness resting on the ground with her 30-day-old cub leaning against her leg in Gir National Park, India.
November 30, 2025 at 5:12 PM
ourwildcats.com
You may have noticed terms like “IUCN Red List” and “Cat Classification Task Force” appearing in recent posts.

These are important in conservation science, so here is a brief explanation of what they mean.

#WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity
Logo of the IUCN Red List, showing a red circular emblem with the letters IUCN inside a white arc and a stylized red shape resembling a pawprint above the words ‘Red List’ in bold black text. The logo represents the global conservation status assessment system used by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
November 29, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ourwildcats.com
African lion populations are estimated at only 22,000–25,000 individuals, and some assessments suggest fewer than 20,000 remain in the wild. 📉 The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 🦁 #10AfricanCatSpecies
African lion (Panthera leo) standing alert in tall golden savanna grass at sunset on open African grassland.
November 23, 2025 at 4:08 PM
ourwildcats.com
African lions are the largest of Africa’s wild cats and the second-largest cat species in the world. They are also the only truly social cat species, living in prides with complex cooperative behaviors. As apex predators, they play critical roles across Africa’s ecosystems. 🦁 #10AfricanCatSpecies
African lions (Panthera leo) on savanna grassland, with a male African lion standing at a distance and several lionesses resting together in the foreground.
November 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
ourwildcats.com
These are the #10AfricanCatSpecies, as recognised by the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group:
African lion, African leopard, Cheetah, Serval, Caracal, African golden cat, Jungle cat, African wildcat, Sand cat, and Black-footed cat.

#WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity
November 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
ourwildcats.com
Africa is famous for its big cats, but the continent is also home to seven small and medium-sized felines – secretive species rarely seen even by researchers.

They face the same threats: habitat loss, poaching, and snares.

This series explores all #10AfricanCatSpecies 🐾
A male leopard walks toward the camera on a sandy track. The text identifies him as the Tavangumi male leopard, later lost due to a snare injury and resulting human–wildlife conflict. Photo credit: Nkorho Bush Lodge.
November 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
ourwildcats.com
The #WildCatsOfTheWorld series will continue, but I’ll be rotating themes.

New this week: #10AfricanCatSpecies – big and small cats of Africa.

More series coming soon. 🐾

#WildlifeConservation #Biodiversity
A small African wildcat stands on reddish sandy ground, facing the camera with alert green eyes. Its body is slender with light brown and gray tabby markings. Sparse vegetation is visible on the right side, and the background is softly blurred in warm tones. Text on the image reads: “African wildcat in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa.” Photo credit: Damonique Maree de Beer.
November 16, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
internationaltigerproject.org
This #SumatranTiger, captured on trail camera, is wild, safe and free. But fewer than 300 remain in the wild. Their forests, and chances of survival, are shrinking every day. Donate now to save Sumatran tigers. 💛 https://bit.ly/47npbFM
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 PM
ourwildcats.com
We’re now sharing thoughtful posts about wild cats on LinkedIn too.

If you’re on LinkedIn, feel free to follow us there for our stories and educational content about wild cats.

🔗 www.linkedin.com/company/ourw...
A Eurasian lynx walks through the snow, lifting one front paw as it approaches the camera. Its tufted ears stand upright, and its spotted winter coat blends softly with the blurred, snowy forest in the background.
November 9, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourplanetearth.xyz
🌿 The “Save the Pantanal: The World’s Largest Tropical Wetland” project by Rainforest Trust is now fully funded! 💚

A big win for wildlife, wetlands, and our planet – and hopeful momentum for many more conservation successes ahead. 🌎

#Conservation #RainforestTrust #Pantanal #Biodiversity
Two jaguars rest together on a sandy riverbank in the Pantanal, surrounded by green vegetation and forest beyond – a glimpse of the thriving wildlife this vast wetland supports.
October 26, 2025 at 2:38 PM
ourwildcats.com
The other branch from Proailurus led to Styriofelis (stir-ee-oh-FEE-lis), ancestor of all modern cats (Felinae + Pantherinae).

This lineage adapted and diversified into the 38+ wild cats alive today. 🐾

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #BigCats #SmallCats #Biodiversity
A visually striking, six-panel collage of modern wild cats, arranged in a 4:5 portrait ratio with two rows and three columns. Row 1: 1. Black-footed Cat (left): A small cat with a spotted and striped coat, sitting on a log, looking directly at the viewer. Its eyes are green. 2. Lynx (center): A medium-sized cat with tufted ears and a grayish-brown coat, walking forward through the snow, with a serious expression. 3. Cheetah (right): A tall, slender cat with a spotted golden coat, walking down a dirt path, its black-ringed tail held high. Row 2: 4. Puma / Cougar (left): A large, tawny brown cat poised on a rocky outcrop, looking intently forward. 5. Tiger (center): A massive cat with a distinctive black-striped orange coat, sitting upright in a forest environment with trees in the background. 6. Lion (right): A large male lion with a full, dark mane, standing regally on a rock, looking directly at the viewer from a dark, dramatic setting. The overall style is realistic and naturalistic, showcasing the size and habitat diversity of the Felidae family.
October 18, 2025 at 2:56 PM
ourwildcats.com
Smilodon vs. Homotherium 🦷 – what set them apart?

Dive into this WildFacts video to see! 🐾 youtu.be/9BZNRBQPHew
ourwildcats.com Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · Oct 15
All cats trace back ~25–30M yrs to Proailurus (pro-AY-luh-rus), the first true cat (Felidae) 🐾

One branch became the extinct sabertooths (Machairodontinae – mah-KAI-roh-DON-tin-ee) 🦷: massive hunters like Smilodon and Homotherium, and lesser-known Lokotunjailurus.

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #Paleontology
October 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
ourwildcats.com
All cats trace back ~25–30M yrs to Proailurus (pro-AY-luh-rus), the first true cat (Felidae) 🐾

One branch became the extinct sabertooths (Machairodontinae – mah-KAI-roh-DON-tin-ee) 🦷: massive hunters like Smilodon and Homotherium, and lesser-known Lokotunjailurus.

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #Paleontology
October 15, 2025 at 12:51 PM
ourwildcats.com
From African savannahs to Arctic forests, wild cats have conquered nearly every corner of our planet. 🌍

Blue = smaller cats (Felinae)
Green = big cats (Pantherinae)

Wherever prey thrives, cats follow. 🐾

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #BigCats #Conservation
🗺️ Craig Pemberton / Wikipedia
World map showing the geographic distribution of wild cats (family Felidae). Areas shaded in blue represent the range of Felinae (small to medium cats, excluding domestic cats), while areas shaded in green represent the range of Pantherinae (big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars). Blue regions cover most of North America, Europe, northern Asia, and southern South America. Green regions are concentrated in Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of China.
October 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
ourwildcats.com
From the tiny Black-footed Cat to the mighty Amur tiger, the cat family spans the globe.

Fierce, fragile, and fascinating – each species tells a story of survival.

Inspired by #WildCatsOfTheWorld by Luke Hunter. Stay tuned for more! 🐾
Book cover of Wild Cats of the World by Luke Hunter, illustrated by Priscilla Barrett, featuring a close-up of a wild cat’s face with green eyes and snow on its fur.
October 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourbigcats.com
𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗮 – wounded by a buffalo and left behind by her pride, she fought to survive and protect her cubs in the Okavango swamps.

Her story is one of resilience, motherhood, and survival in the wild. 🦁🌍

#FekeetsaTheLion #FekeetsaTheLioness #Lions #BigCats #WildlifeStories #NatureDocumentary
A lioness wades through swamp vegetation in the Okavango Delta, lit by warm golden light with tall reeds surrounding her and her eyes fixed ahead. Text on the image reads: “Fekeetsa — Okavango Lioness.” This is a scene from the documentary Okavango: River of Dreams - Episode 1: Paradise.
September 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourbigcats.com
Do wild animals like lions get skin cancer? 🤔

Surprisingly, it’s rare! Thick fur, pigmented skin, and clever adaptations – like evolution’s built-in sunscreen – keep even the king of the jungle safe under the sun. 🌞🦁

#WildlifeFacts #NatureProtection #Lions #BigCats
A male lion lies stretched out on a dirt road, resting on his side with his head on the ground, gazing toward the camera in soft evening light.
September 20, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourbigcats.com
Looking for a meaningful gift that gives back?
𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 is a stunning #photography book that supports tiger conservation 🐅

Beautiful enough for any coffee table – and it’s on sale! 📖

#WildlifeConservation #Tigers #PhotographyBook #NatureLovers #RememberingTigers #RememberingWildlife
Cover of the book Remembering Tigers. A tiger looks directly at the camera while sitting in tall grass. The title “Remembering Tigers” is printed across the image, along with the subtitle “Wildlife Photographers United” and “Foreword by Valmik Thapar.”
September 16, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourbigcats.com
𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆?

By protecting wild families like this lion pride, you help ensure they’re still here for generations to come.

That’s a legacy worth leaving. 🦁🌍

Learn more or support @lionrecoveryfund.bsky.social

#WildLegacy #Conservation
A lioness sleeps on a rocky outcrop with her cubs tucked beside her, overlooking the open savanna. The family rests closely together in their natural habitat.
September 13, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourbigcats.com
If you believe in God,
protecting His creations is a sacred calling.

Whether in Christianity, Islam, or Judaism,
we are entrusted to care for the Earth.

Every creature is part of His world.
Let’s cherish and protect it. 🌍💚

#CreationCare #Khalifah #TikkunOlam

📸 Prakash Ramakrishnan
A tigress rests on rocky ground as one cub leans affectionately against her, while a second cub is partly hidden behind her. It’s a tender moment of connection that reflects the beauty and fragility of life in the wild.
September 7, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourplanetearth.xyz
The drought in South Eastern Zambia is taking a heavy toll on wildlife. 🌍💔 It's heartbreaking to see, but we can help! Nsefu Wildlife is working to provide much-needed water by drilling new boreholes. Every contribution counts. 🙏

Learn more: nsefu.org/fundraisers
nsefuwildlife.bsky.social Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation @nsefuwildlife.bsky.social · Aug 14
South Eastern Zambia is experiencing a drought and wildlife in the region are feeling the effects! Help Nsefu Wildlife drill new boreholes, that can provide much needed water. nsefu.org/fundraisers #nsefu #nsefuwildlife #conservation #borehole #wildlife #zambia #well #drilling #fundraiser
September 6, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourplanetearth.xyz
📷 Prints for Wildlife 2025 is live: 200+ photographers are offering limited-edition works, with proceeds benefiting Conservation International.

Browse here: www.printsforwildlife.org/collections/...

Since launch, the project has raised $2.1M+ for conservation.
A leopard rests between the branches of a large tree, its body stretched out and eyes gazing directly at the camera. Sunlight highlights the animal’s golden spots against the dark background. © Lukas Walter / Prints for Wildlife. A one-horned rhinoceros grazes in a grassy clearing beneath a tall tree, with misty forested hills in the background. The scene is bathed in warm, muted light, creating a tranquil and timeless atmosphere. © Gabriella Fuchs / Prints for Wildlife. A polar bear walks across snow-covered ice, one paw stretched toward a dark crack splitting the frozen surface. The bear glances upward, its white body blending with the stark Arctic landscape. © Lukas Walter / Prints for Wildlife. © Lianna Nixon / Prints for Wildlife. A vibrant wetland scene filled with life—giraffes walk gracefully across the savanna as a massive flock of birds fills the sky above. In the foreground, dozens of pelicans and storks gather in the water, creating a striking display of biodiversity. © Shem Compion / Prints for Wildlife.
August 22, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Reposted by Our Wild Cats
ourplanetearth.xyz
Once our basic needs are met – food, shelter, and freedom – what more do we need to live well?

Just two things:
🧠 Curiosity – to keep learning and growing
🧡 Love – for wildlife, our planet, people, and ourselves

📸 by Inyati Game Lodge, Sabi Sands
A safari guide sits on the edge of a vehicle, smiling with quiet happiness as a wild lion walks nearby through tall golden grass on a misty morning. The scene feels quiet and respectful, capturing a peaceful moment between human and animal in nature.
July 20, 2025 at 4:08 PM