Short Summary
In the harsh desert environment of South Africa lives a very tiny wild cat. Adult male black-footed cats weigh less than five pounds, or 2.5 kg, making them one of the smallest wild cat species in the world. Theirs is a world of arid climate, temperature extremes, vast hunting areas and constant danger from larger carnivores.
Since 1990, the International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada has been working for the conservation of the 28 smaller wild cat species. Our Canadian organization of volunteers is dedicated to supporting field research on the small cats in their native habitats. We can’t help them until we learn what they need to survive in their homes.
One of the most important projects we support is Dr. Alex Sliwa and the Black-footed Cat Working Group. Researchers are studying the distribution, ecology, health, and reproductive status of black-footed cats in South Africa.
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What is a Black-footed Cat?
Black-footed cats are no bigger than your house cat, and probably smaller in most cases. They are only found in three countries: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. They inhabit short to medium length grass plains, scrub desert and sand plains, including the Kalahari and Karoo Deserts.
An incredibly tenacious little cat, the natives have a legend claiming these tiny cats can bring down a giraffe. While this is untrue, it pays homage to the determination of these feisty little felines.
Researchers often record interactions between black-footed cats and other animals in their habitat. Their attitude proves that while they may be small, they don’t let their size stop them!
“The male Kubu was located resting in a hollow termite mound. When he became active, he sprayed several times, then caught a gerbil. He continued to forage and as a group of bat-eared foxes three times the size of the cat approached, Kubu sat and watched them. When one of the foxes came too close, Kubu slapped him and just walked on.”
Or how about this determined kitty:
“I was following one of the black-footed cats when I drove past a blue crane nest I had been checking the past week. This time when I shone my spotlight on the big birds, I noticed the bright blue eyes of the male black-footed cat next to the nest. I watched as he sniffed the nesting female’s head and neck, then tried to push underneath her to get to the chicks in the nest.”
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Their Population is Decreasing
In addition to natural threats like black-backed jackals, caracals and eagle owls, these cats are increasingly being challenged by human changes to their habitat.
The average black-footed cat eats about 3,000 rodents each year. This should earn them the title of Farmer’s Friend, but they face many man-made threats:
*Poisoning of carcasses to kill larger carnivores, which black-footed cats also eat
*Overgrazing by livestock which reduces their prey base
*Poisoning of locusts, which are eaten by the cats in huge numbers
*Killing by domestic dogs, which are used to chase or dig out jackals
With their population rapidly declining, this field project is vitally important so we can learn how to reverse this trend.
Why We Need You
To study these nocturnal little felines, first you have to find them at night, in the vast desert. Team members drive a nightly route of up to 50 miles (80 km) along dirt roads at a speed under 18 mph (30 km) per hour while looking for the characteristic bright blue eye-shine of the cats. A minimum of two people stand on the open back of the vehicle operating two spotlights.
The project’s old 4x4 truck urgently needs replacing. With nearly 400,000 km of looking for black-footed cats on the odometer, it is spending more time in the costly repair shop than on the road.
When this truck stops working, the project stops learning about the cats. A new vehicle would cost more than $40,000 US but with your help, we can keep the cats under focus for half that price!
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Our Wish List
$18,086.00 to buy a good, reliable second hand truck to locate the cats
$2,260.00 to add the necessary tracking equipment - antennae racks, a dual-battery system to run the lights when the engine is switched off, and suitable tires
$1000.00 for a radio and antenna to receive tracking signals from the cats’ collars
$450.00 for a camera trap to observe the cats and kittens when the researchers are not able to be present
$200.00 for each teeny, tiny radio-collar which allows researchers to learn about the daily lives of the cats
$45.00 for a one night salary and accommodation for a field assistant to track the cats. Each trip usually lasts 4-8 hours and covers a major part of the study area. At this point in time, the project can only afford to hire an assistant every two to three months
$32.00 running costs each night for the current truck when the field assistant is roaming over the 130 square kilometre study area
You’re reading this because you are a wild cat lover, and you feel that more needs to be done. This is your chance to help us make a difference for these smallest of wild cats, and we ask for your support. Even if you’re not in a position to make a donation, please help us spread the word. Tell your friends, tell your family, share it on your social media, shout it from the rooftops, hire a skywriter... OK maybe not the last one, but you get the idea. Pass it on, and encourage your friends to do the same!
Please share this campaign with the links below, and let everyone know you stand as a voice for the smallest of wild cats. Together, we CAN make a difference!
We sincerely thank you for your support.
