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Big Cats Initiative


About the Big Cats Initiative

From lions in Kenya to snow leopards in the Himalaya, the big cats of the world need help. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, and other top felines are quickly disappearing, all victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans.

To address this critical situation, the National Geographic Society has launched the Big Cats Initiative, a comprehensive program that supports on-the-ground conservation projects, education, and economic incentive efforts and a global public-awareness campaign. “We no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to big cats,” says National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dereck Joubert. “They are in such a downward spiral that if we hesitate now, we will be responsible for extinctions across the globe. If there was ever a time to take action, it is now.” You can help us make a difference. Your donation can help save a big cat and ensure the Earth is not without these majestic creatures. Please donate today! You also can help by signing up for Big Cats Initiative updates with the Geo-Link Newsletter.

Apply for a Grant

The first goal of the Big Cats Initiative is to the halt the decline of lions. Therefore, National Geographic will be collecting all available data on lion populations, demographics, and habitat and will then fund a variety of conservation projects across the lions’ range. You can be part of this important work by donating to the Big Cats Initiative or by applying for a grant to help big cats.

Proposals Encouraged:

  • Innovative projects with quick results for saving lions
  • Anti-poaching programs
  • Projects that test new technology
  • Educational projects focused on community
  • Projects that establish economic incentives for local people to ensure long-term survival of lions

Please email us at bigcatsgrants@ngs.org with project ideas or questions about the Big Cats Initiative.

Learn More About the Initiative


How to Help Big Cats

 

Big Cats Profiles

Photo: Close-up of an African lion

African Lion
(vulnerable)

Photo: Asian lion resting

Asian Lion
(endangered)

Photo: Bengal tiger with one of her three cubs

Bengal Tiger
(endangered)

Photo: African cheetah in the grass

Cheetah
(vulnerable)

Photo: Clouded leopard sitting on a tree

Clouded Leopard
(vulnerable)

Photo: A young female jaguar stopped in its tracks

Jaguar
(near threatened)

Photo: A leopard rests in a treetop perch

Leopard
(near threatened)

Photo: A Siberian tiger grooming

Siberian Tiger
(endangered)

Photo: A rare snow leopard

Snow Leopard
(endangered)

 

Big Cats Photo Galleries

 

More Big Cat Features

Photo: A cheetah mother and cub

Cat Videos

Watch amazing big cat videos featuring lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards, and more!

Photo: Lioness and two cubs

Help Save the Maasai Lions

The lion population in and around Amboseli National Park in Kenya has reached a critical status that needs addressing on a major scale. Prevent further decline of the Maasailand lions by making a donation.

Photo: Lion

Lion Lessons

The king of cats rules with a roar and a fierce bite. What else do you know about this top predator? Take this quiz and find out!

Photo: Cheetah leaping

Big Cats Facts

How fast can a cheetah run? Which big cat is the strongest climber? Read all of the big cat facts to find out.

Photo: African lion

Kids: Lion Creature Feature

Get fun facts on African lions, plus video, audio, photos, and more at National Geographic's Kids site.

Photo: Jaguar walking through a stream

Photo Gallery: Path of the Jaguar

If forward-looking conservationists prevail, this wanderer will live on.

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