ANTHROPOCENE – WERE ART MEETS ECOLOGY

We invite you to discover the unique piece of art created by Tomasz Alan Kopera named Anthropocene. It combines artistic beauty with concern for our planet. Created in collaboration with Save Wild Cats Foundation, the painting is not only an aesthetic masterpiece but also an important message about environmental protection.In a world, where combinations of art and environmental protection are becoming more popular, we are pleasured to introduce you to „Anthropocene” – masterpiece created by Tomasz Alan Kopera in collaboration with Save Wild Cats Foundation. It's not only a painting, but a reflection on coexisting with nature."Anthropocene" is a unique mix of realism, artistic sensitivity of Tomasz Alan Kopera and a call to protect the wildlife. The centerpiece of the painting is an image of the flat-headed cat, symbolizing the beauty and scarcity of wild species and their endangerment in today's world.This piece not only is pleasant to the eye, but also encourages reflections on our impact on the ecosystem. In this painting, we can find a message about a need for harmony between humans and nature, about a significance of environmental protection for future generations. The Artist point out the delicate balance of our planet, reminding us that every decision and every action has its consequences. It's a call of responsibility and ecological awareness. Anthropocene is not only a piece of art. – it's a message that we hope can inspire you to reflect and act for the better future of our planet.You can find more work of this artist here: <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.arteclat.com/gallery/kopera/">https://www.arteclat.com/gallery/kopera/</a><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="1200" height="768" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jvcIbliAp5o" start="0"></iframe></div>

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Anthropocene – Were Art Meets Ecology

Cooperation with Biżuteria Irbis

<h2>Together for the wild cats</h2>In search of the best ways to support wild cats we join forces with Biżuteria Irbis. We created a collection of cat jewelry from which the income goes towards the foundation's activities. This initiative creates an opportunity to support our foundation in exchange for a material and stylish proof of your generosity.<h2>Beautiful Snow Leopard</h2>The Collection's design is based on the shape of the paw of Snow Leopard. They live in the high mountains of Asia, and they are characterized by the thick white-gray coat spotted with large black rosettes. Conservation work led to change in their status from endangered to extinction to vulnerable to extinction. It may seem as a small change, but is actually an enormous success in rebuilding the population. The slogan for the action is #pomagamzirbis

Partners

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Cooperation with UPWr

<h2>What scientists can do for wild cats?</h2>One of the most effective ways to increase the population of wild cats is reproductive support. Unfortunately, in vitro fertilization procedure is extremely complicated and requires an experienced expert. That is why we established cooperation with The Department of Reproduction with the Clinic of Farm Animals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław.<h2>Why Wrocław?</h2>The Department of Reproduction deals, among other things, with collecting genetic material, assessing its value and freezing it in a cryopreservation process. They practically use collected DNA for reproductive support, in vitro fertilization of livestock and wild animals, and tissue engineering and cloning.<h2>Light at the end of a tunnel</h2>We believe that modern research methods will allow us to sustain the existence of many endangered species. Using knowledge and achievements of scientists from Wrocław we aim to bring help where it is needed the most.

Research and development

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What is feline therapy?

<h2>What is feline therapy?</h2>Plainly speaking, feline therapy is therapy that uses pet cats. Its main purpose is to improve the well-being of the patient. It is complementary to clinical treatment. It involves a patient interacting with a specially chosen animal that provides mental support - it is calming, decreases anxiety and feeling of loneliness.&nbsp;Research also indicates that feline therapy leads to reduction in blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and acceleration of wound healing. Some scientists also believe that it causes the release of endorphins.&nbsp;<h2>For whom cats can be helpful?</h2>Cuddling with a cat is especially recommended for the elderly and young children. In their case, feline therapy is often used as an extension of classical physiotherapy. Patients are much more active and willing to do the exercises if they involve stroking and playing with the cat. The health effects remain the same, with much less stress for the patient who does not need to be overly encouraged to exercise. In this way, feline therapy solves one of the biggest problems in therapy with children and the elderly - reluctance to exercise.Cats can also be a good choice for people with mental dysfunctions or illnesses. Their soothing presence relieves stress tensions and helps alleviate exacerbations of medical conditions. Probably the first association in the context of such conditions are assistance dogs, which are far more popular these days. Despite the common goal of using animals in assisting treatment, the choice between cat and dog depends on individual needs. Both animals perform their roles very well, but suit different lifestyles and specific patient needs.&nbsp;<h2>Is a cat enough?</h2>Feline therapy can take many forms. Among the most classic ones are meetings with a therapist and a cat. They combine the benefits of interacting with an animal and contact with a certified professional who often has other functions besides being a cat caretaker. Feline therapy is often used by psychologists and therapists who combine specialties in hopes of achieving better treatment outcomes.Cats can also serve as assistance animals, especially for people who struggle with depression, autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders or have stress issues. In this case, the patient often owns the animal, which requires no special training. The key issue is the nature of the animal - the mere presence of a cat is enough to reduce feelings of loneliness or stress levels.&nbsp;<h2>Choosing feline therapy cats</h2>In fact, the most important factor is the character and disposition of the cat. The animal must suit the needs of the owner or the person attending the therapy. A feature that makes it impossible to allow a cat to have contact with humans is aggression - the animal must not attack the patient, no matter what form of feline therapy is being conducted.&nbsp;There are as many people as many needs - some will be looking for a pet with which they can maintain constant physical contact and others for one that will keep their space and will just accompany them in their daily functioning.&nbsp;Unfortunately, in domestic cats, character does not stabilize until around two years of age. Before that it is not possible to assess the animal for suitability for feline therapy. There are some breeds whose typical characteristics increase the chances of suitable adaptation, but again, there is no guarantee that a particular individual will match the general characteristics of the breed.The breeds most commonly used for feline therapy are:<ul><li>rag doll</li><li>Maine coon</li><li>British cats</li><li>Burmese cats</li></ul>Please note that the breed of the cat may not matter in the slightest - also non-breed cats work well as assistance animals.&nbsp;

Teaching activities

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Support for the flat-headed cats at Songhkla Zoo 

<h2>Mysterious Flat-Headed Cat</h2>The Flat-Headed Cat is a species that inhabits Brunea, Indonesia and Malaysia. Originally discovered in 1827, it was thought to be extinct for ten years. It is one of the least known species of wild cats. Not so long ago there was only one known female capable of breeding in captivity. At the moment in the rescue center founded by our foundation in Indonesia there is another female capable of carrying a pregnancy.<h2>Songkhla Zoo</h2>Songkhla Zoo has existed since 1998, and its construction continued for ten years. Currently the zoo is home to one of two females of the Flat-Headed Cat capable of breeding. It is located in south Thailand on the Malay Peninsula. Name of the Songkhla province comes from malayan word meaning “City of the Lions”.&nbsp;<h2>Support needed</h2>Maintenance of the Flat-Headed Cat population in a zoo absorbs large funds. In 2022 only, the foundation will transfer 14 000 PLN towards five individuals inhabiting the zoo. In their natural habitat they feed on fish, which they drag away from the shore, to prevent them from escaping back into the water. Secondly they choose amphibians and fruit. In captivity, aside from fish, their diet is varied with raw chicken.&nbsp;<h2>What is the problem?</h2>In the case of the Flat-Headed Cat it is necessary to conduct reproductive research. There is very little information about its behavior that determines the ability to detect heat or an early pregnancy. There is also not much information about the duration of pregnancy and the number of cubs. Without this, and much more, information there is an extremely low chance of any successful breeding in captivity. Providing the animal with conditions as close to natural as possible is key for its well-being, hence successful fertilization and maintenance of the pregnancy.Observation of individuals in their natural environment is almost impossible, due to their extremely low number. In a ten year period, between 2008 and 2018, there were only 33 captures in a camera-trap placed in Borneo. It is possible to study behavior of the cats held in captivity, but it is most probably different to what occurs naturally.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What's next?</h2>Our foundation is planning on conducting research on the Flat-Headed Cat. In the rescue center in Indonesia that we founded, there are already representatives of the species. Young of the animals that are currently in Indonesia, are to be moved to a research center in Poland, which is planned to be built in 2024. Scientists working with the foundation will conduct broad research that will aim to fill the hole in knowledge about the cat. We hope that our project will succeed, and animals born at our center will be brought back to their natural habitats.&nbsp;

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Alianza Gato Andino - to save the andean cat

<h2>Fight for survival</h2>At Save Wild Cats Foundation we believe that educating people about endangered species is one of key elements that will allow their survival. Environmental destruction, poaching and killing animals are the main reasons affecting the abundance of many endangered feline species populations. Even the best conservation initiatives will not succeed if we don't&nbsp; minimize harmful human activity.Additionally it is necessary to gain scientific knowledge that will allow to take action into extending the existence of these species. These include broadly understood work on reproduction, that requires profound knowledge about the environment and behavior of the animals.<h2>Mutual mission</h2>This is why Save Wild Cats Foundation collaborates with Alianza Gato Andino - an international, interdisciplinary hub of scientists, who work together for protection of Andean Cat and its habitat. AGA focuses on three lines of action - scientific research, conservation and education.Especially in the case of the Andean Cat it is extremely important to acquire knowledge about the species. It is one of five most endangered felines in the world, and the most endangered species in both Americas. Its habitats are located in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. It prefers dry, rocky environment in the Andes.Save Wild Cats Foundation uses knowledge acquired by the scientific community of Alianza Gato Andino to spread awareness about Andean Cat. We are actively trying to give Polish people access to information about the species. Unfortunately, people who live far from natural habitats of wild feline species often don't even know they exist, not to mention the threats standing in the way of their survival.&nbsp;<h2>Action in face of the crisis</h2>Alianza Gato Andino conducts few programs that tackle the action lines mentioned above. The only way of saving the population of the Andean Cat is taking action in many directions. Unfortunately it requires enormous commitment from the scientists, local societies and governments.&nbsp;Educational workshops are increasing the knowledge of the local population about the importance of the Andean Cat for preservation of the Andean ecosystems. They also show alternatives for previous practices that were harmful for the species, such as utilization of the land for agricultural purposes. Cooperation between AGA and the shepherds allows to minimize the retaliatory hunting provoked by attacks of wild animals on breeding herds. Photo Traps and searching for scat delivers many important information about the species.&nbsp;<h2>Hope for the future</h2>At Save Wild Cats Foundation we believe that action for preserving wild cats should be based on international cooperation. That is the only way to actually increase the population of endangered species and assure their wellbeing.&nbsp;

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What does "endangered" actually mean?

<h2>Who decides?</h2>I'm sure you've come across the term "endangered species" many times, but few people explain what actually makes them considered such. The classification of the degree of endangered species is dealt with primarily by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The list also includes plants and fungi, but we are obviously most interested in animals.There is a division into the following grades:<ul><li>extinct - representatives of the species may exist in captivity, but not in nature</li><li>critically endangered - species most threatened with extinction on a global scale</li><li>endangered - species threatened with extinction on a global scale</li><li>vulnerable - species that are least threatened with extinction on a global scale</li><li>near threatened - species which are close to the threshold of threat or which would be endangered if no protective actions were taken</li><li>least concern - species with a low risk of extinction</li><li>no data - assessment not possible due to insufficient data</li></ul>There are other organizations (mainly governmental) that create smaller lists, taking particular areas into consideration. Nomenclature and classification remain synonymous with division introduced by IUCN.<h2>Counting not so easy</h2>Criteria mentioned above are universal for every species but there is no standard number of specimens that indicates the species as threatened. It depends on distribution area, number of adult individuals, average age of current generation and many other factors, so for every species numbers are different. The degree of threat is assigned to the species according to these calculations.Publication “IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria” accurately describes how the ratios are calculated. For example, for animal to be considered critically endangered it must meet one of the following conditions:<ul><li>decrease in population higher than 80%</li><li>very small area of occurrence</li><li>less than 250 adult individuals with prognosis of decrease&nbsp;</li><li>less than 50 adult individuals</li><li>50% probability of extinction over 10 years period</li></ul>Details about these conditions are available <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/RL-2001-001-2nd.pdf">here.</a><h2>Rescuing wild cats</h2>While the seven largest species of wild cats do not suffer from shortages of human attention, their smaller brethren are not so lucky. The smaller wild cats are far less known and unfortunately far less studied. The flat-headed cat is so rare that it was thought to be extinct for 10 years. The Andean cat is only seen in phototrap images. Increased knowledge of the species is essential to enable effective action to ensure their extension.&nbsp;

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What does endangered actually mean?

Współpraca z Universitas Brawijaya 

<h2>A new beginning</h2>On August eighteenth, 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed between Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland and Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, Indonesia. The agreement concerns scientific exchange in the broadest sense - it will allow the sharing of knowledge and experience of scientists working at both universities.The flight of UMK representatives to Indonesia to sign the agreement and the research project on wild cat reproduction are funded by our foundation.<h2>Cooperation for the sake of cats</h2>The first joint project between the universities will be led by UMK's Institute of Veterinary Medicine and UB's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Among the project's goals is to assess the overall condition of cats housed at a foundation-funded behavioral center in Batu, Indonesia. It is planned to collect, examine and cryopreserve semen, cytologies of females and hormonal tests to indicate diurnal and estrous cycles.As early as late October/early November, scientists from UMK and those working with the foundation will travel to Indonesia to begin the study. During their two-week stay, they will study more than 20 individuals of species such as the Flat-headed cat and Sunda Leopard.

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Cooperation with Universitas Brawijaya

New systematic classification - Sunda clouded leopard

<h2>Recent reclassification</h2>The genus Neofelis is one of the least understood taxa among the felids and depletion of their forested habitats puts it under heavy pressure. Recently reclassification of Bornean clouded leopards (N. nebulosa diardi) to species level (N.diardi) was suggested based on molecular and morphological evidence.Classically considered a single species, the Clouded Leopard has been split into two species. Based on analysis of mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and morphology, Neofelis nebulosa is restricted to mainland Southeast Asia, and Neofelis diardi is found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Based on analysis of genetic, skull and pelage characteristics, two distinct subspecies of Neofelis diardi have been recognized the Sumatran Clouded Leopard Neofelis diardi diardi and the Bornean Clouded Leopard Neofelis diardi borneensis.<h2>Description</h2>The clouded leopard is of intermediate size (comparable to a small leopard) with a tail nearly as long as the head and body, and relatively short legs. The clouded leopard has some very special characteristics: Its legs are short, stout and end in broad paws. Underside white with black spots. The hind legs are longer than the front ones and its tail thick and plush, covered proximally with spots and becoming encircled with black rings toward the tip. Head is long, crown spotted, rostrum white, dark stripes from the eye and the corner of the mouth. Together with its sister species the Sunda clouded leopard, its canine teeth are proportionally longer than those of any other extant cat. Males are larger than females.<h4>Clouded leopard (N. nebulosa)</h4>The patterns of its coat with cloud-like rosettes with dark outlines and lighter centres on a light background are unique and gave the clouded leopard its name. Pelage is light yellow to light gray. Underside white with black spots. Two broken black stripes along the spine and six longitudinal black stripes on the neck, starting behind the ears.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/Pantera_mglista_a00c55925a.jpg" alt="Pantera mglista" width="5568" height="3712"><h4>Sumatran clouded leopard (N. diardi diardi)</h4>N. diardi has smaller markings and darker fur than N. nebulosa. Pelage is gray to tawny-gray, with relatively small, irregular blotches with thick, black margins and small black spots within each blotch. Two broken black stripes along the spine. Lower legs with solid, black blotches, closely clustered.<img src="/uploads/Pantera_sundajska_sumatrzanska_21f69d0e7c.jpg" alt="Pantera sundajska sumatrzańska" width="5568" height="3712"><h4>Bornean clouded leopard (N. diardi borneensis)</h4>Overall darker, with a ground color grayer than that of the Sumatran Clouded Leopard, with yellowish tinge, more frequent and bolder cloud spots, larger, more angular cloud-like blotches, with thicker black borders, neck and shoulder stripes thicker. Two broken black stripes along the spine. Lower legs with solid, black blotches, closely clustered.<img src="/uploads/Pantera_sundajska_borneanska_010a7ca743.jpg" alt="Pantera sundajska borneańska" width="5568" height="3712"><h2>Diet</h2><h4>Clouded leopard (N. nebulosa)</h4>Arboreal and terrestrial prey (hog deer, slow loris, brush-tailed porcupine, pangolin ground squirrel, primates, muntjac, pheasants); they occasionally kill poultry; apparently not interested in carrion.<h4>Sunda clouded leopard (N. diardi)</h4>Small to medium-sized mammals (primates, sambar, muntjac, bearded pig, mouse-deer, porcupines), and fish.&nbsp;<h2>Geographic range</h2>The Mainland Clouded Leopard is found from the Himalayan foothills in Nepal through Mainland Southeast Asia into China. Mainland Clouded Leopard is extinct on the island of Taiwan and numbers are very low, and the species may be close to extirpation, in Viet Nam, China, and Bangladesh.<img src="/uploads/Mapa_neofelis_nebulosa_c5840853d0.jpeg" alt="Mapa neofelis nebulosa.jpeg" width="591" height="803">The Sunda Clouded Leopard is found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It is unknown if there are still Sunda Clouded Leopards on the small Batu Islands close to Sumatra.<img src="/uploads/Mapa_neofelis_diardi_2be3dc08e8.jpeg" alt="Mapa neofelis diardi.jpeg" width="591" height="803"><h2>Habitat</h2><h4>Clouded leopard (N. nebulosa)</h4>Strongly associated with forest habitat, particularly primary evergreen tropical rainforest, but there are also records from dry and deciduous forest, as well as secondary and logged forests, grassland and scrub, and mangrove swamps, up to 2,200 m in the Himalayas. It shows a preference for forest over more open habitats.<h4>Sumatran clouded leopard (N. diardi diardi)</h4>It seems to be more abundant in hilly, mountain areas than at lower elevations, but it is found in a range of forest types. Forest dependent, including disturbed forest, so long as it has high canopy closure. Oil palm plantations and areas with low canopy closure are avoided<h4>Bornean clouded leopard (N. diardi borneensis)</h4>A range of forest types: primary lowland, upland, and submontane forest, selectively logged forest, peat-swamp forest, coastal mangroves, up to 1,500 m. Forest dependent, including disturbed forest, so long as it has high canopy closure. Oil palm plantations and areas with low canopy closure are avoided.<h2>Numbers</h2>The number of adults of N. nebulosa is estimated at 2700-5500 and N. diardi at 4500 individuals. Other sources estimate the population size of N. diardi subspecies - in the case of N. diardi diardi at 500 individuals, N. diardi borneensis at 3000. The current population trend of both species is decreasing.<h2>Final thoughts</h2>The different species N. nebulosa and N. diardi, as well as the two distinct populations on Borneo and Sumatra, should be managed separately, to protect the genetic diversity upon which future evolutionary potential depends. There’s a huge importance of taxonomic splitting for conservation, because the two species and the distinct populations on Borneo and Sumatra face a much greater risk of extinction, due to smaller distribution ranges, than previously assessed based on the former classification.<h2>References</h2>Wilting, A., Buckley-Beason, V.A., Feldhaar, H. et al. Clouded leopard phylogeny revisited: support for species recognition and population division between Borneo and Sumatra. Front Zool 4, 15 (2007);Gray, T., Borah, J., Coudrat, C.N.Z., Ghimirey, Y., Giordano, A., Greenspan, E., Petersen, W., Rostro-García, S., Shariff, M. &amp; Wai-Ming, W. 2021. Neofelis nebulosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021;Hearn, A., Ross, J., Brodie, J., Cheyne, S., Haidir, I.A., Loken, B., Mathai, J., Wilting, A. &amp; McCarthy, J. 2015. Neofelis diardi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015;Castelló JR. Felids and Hyenas of the World: Wildcats, Panthers, Lynx, Pumas, Ocelots, Caracals, and Relatives. 2020

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Wild cats in Poland 

<h2>Polish wild cats - lynx and wildcat&nbsp;</h2>Two species of wild cats live in Poland – the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the wildcat (Felis silvestris). Both species lead a secretive lifestyle. In addition, their populations in the country, although protected, are relatively small. Meeting a lynx in the natural environment requires a large dose of luck, and a wildcat - even more. Both species have several common features - they live in forests, lead a solitary lifestyle, and are specialised predators. For both, human activity is a major threat.Historically, lynxes and wildcats had their territories throughout Poland. They knew no borders and only large rivers could be a certain limitation for them, although they overcame them because both species can swim. Urbanisation, deforestation, and hunting have meant that today we have only 200 wildcats and a similar number of lynxes in the country. Both species have been relegated to small, hard-to-reach enclaves, and the extensive road network and cities make it difficult to move between them.Both lynx and wildcat are important links in the food chain. They reduce the number of sick and weak individuals from the population of their prey. However, they do not pose any threat to humans.<h2>SITUATION OF LYNX IN EUROPE AND IN POLAND</h2>In the past, Eurasian lynxes inhabited almost all of Europe and a large part of Asia. They were absent only in Spain, where the Iberian lynx had its territories. Today, the Iberian lynx is still threatened with extinction, but the biggest crisis is fortunately behind it (in 2002 there were less than 100 of them). Currently, it is estimated that there are about 9,000 Eurasian lynxes in Europe. Small populations can be found in France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Balkans. The largest number of lynx live in the Carpathians, the Baltic States, Finland, and Scandinavia.The population in Poland is estimated at about 200 individuals and is divided into two parts - lowland and Carpathian. Some scientists even separate them into two subspecies. In Poland, lynxes are under strict protection. Researchers support their populations by releasing captive-born lynxes into the wild - in zoos and special breeding centres. Recently, such a project was carried out in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, and the first lynxes released in 2019 have already had offspring. All animals released into the wild are equipped with telemetry collars, so scientists can track their fate for over a year (battery life).It is positive that lynxes are starting to roam around Poland in search of partners and new territories. Unfortunately, the roads crossing their trails are a big threat to them. There are also cases of poaching. In the country, lynxes hunt mainly roe deer, less often deer (the wolf's main food), and wild boars. They supplement their diet with birds and smaller mammals – rodents and hares.<h2>WHERE TO FIND A REAL Wildcat?</h2>In the past, wildcats could be found in many places in Poland, today they are found only in the Carpathian mountains. This species is very secretive and has perfect camouflage. Most of the recordings of wildcats in Poland come from camera traps set up by scientists. Unfortunately, despite the strict protection of wildcats, the population does not grow. The biggest threat to them is crossbreeding with closely related domestic cats. Therefore, it is reasonable to ask how many wildcats in Poland are of pure origin? For example, research conducted in the Polish Tatra Mountains showed that there were any wildcats there, and all the collected hair samples came from domestic cats. Domestic cats are also a potential source of dangerous diseases for wildcats.Interestingly, the wildcat is not the direct ancestor of the domestic cat, but it is the Nubian cat (Felis lybica) from Africa, although it must be admitted that in Europe, the admixture of wildcat blood has shaped domestic cats throughout history.The latest wildcat reintroduction project is in Devon and Cornwall, UK. After more than 500 years, the animals are to return to the southeastern part of the island. Wildcats in nature hunt birds, rodents, lagomorphs, but also invertebrates. They can also effectively attack young roe deer or chamois.<h2>Sources:</h2>Felids and Hyenas of the World - José R. Castelló<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://wwfcee.org/news/international-lynx-day-celebrate-the-biggest-wild-cat-in-europe-1">https://wwfcee.org/news/international-lynx-day-celebrate-the-biggest-wild-cat-in-europe-1</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.polskiwilk.org.pl/rys/liczebnosc-i-rozmieszczenie">https://www.polskiwilk.org.pl/rys/liczebnosc-i-rozmieszczenie</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/eurasia/european-wildcat/">https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/eurasia/european-wildcat/</a>

Wojciech Kopczyk

Zootechnician, wildlife breeding specialist

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Wild cats in Poland

New partnership with BRIN

<h2>Why Indonesia?</h2>Our foundation was created out of a desire to save the most endangered species of wild cats. Unfortunately, many of them are dying out in silence because they are not as well known as lions or panthers. Since the foundation's inception, the flat-headed cats have been at the center of our interests. To be able to support the survival of this and other species found in Indonesia in the best possible way, we have established a partnership with the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), which is responsible for overseeing all scientific endeavors in the country.The flat-headed cats live mainly in Indonesia, Brunei as well as Malaysia. They were declared extinct in 1985, found again in nature in 1995, and are now extinct in Thailand. The habitat of tufted cats is closely associated with wetlands and lowland forests. An IUCN Red List evaluation in 2014 estimated the population at about 2,500 individuals with a declining trend - this classifies the species as threatened with extinction.<h2>What is BRIN?</h2>BRIN not only issues approvals and certifications that allow research to be conducted in Indonesia, but also supervises and coordinates cooperation between research, scientific and industrial units conducting Research&amp;Development activities.Thanks to our cooperation, we can safely store the genetic material of the flat-headed cat, collected during a recent trip to Indonesia by scientists working with the foundation. However, this is not the only aspect of our cooperation.<h2>The beginning of cooperation</h2>Our cooperation with BRIN provides for the collection of genetic material (oocytes, semen, skin samples, etc.) from all wild cat species found in Indonesia. The species that we are prioritizing are the flat-headed cat and the sunda clouded leopard, but we will have the opportunity to create a genetic bank that will include material collected from all cats in Indonesia.As part of the cooperation, BRIN will provide the foundation with the tools necessary to achieve this goal. What is needed is not only specialized medical equipment to collect the materials in an animal-safe manner, but also a properly equipped infrastructure to preserve and store the samples.<h2>Initial plans</h2>In August 2023, our representatives will travel to Indonesia to launch the first cooperation activities. It is extremely important for the foundation to share knowledge. There is a shortage of small cat specialists in the world. The main reason for this is that it is extremely difficult to gain knowledge about them. They are very rare and hard to find. Most of the most endangered species can be found in captivity in only a few places in the world and field research is almost impossible, due to the animals' extreme timidity.Created by the foundation in 2022, a team of scientists specializing in the reproduction of small wild cats, consisting of specialists from Poland and the United States, will conduct training for Indonesian scientists working with BRIN. We believe that spreading the knowledge necessary to save wild cats is crucial to their survival.

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