Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF) is leading the way in protecting small endangered cats. There are 40 recognized species of wild cats in the world. Most people are familiar with the big and medium-sized cats, but few people could name the 33 smaller cats. Like their larger cousins, small cats are threatened by the loss of valuable habitat and prey, indiscriminate killing, and conflict with humans, livestock, and domestic animals.
Compared to other carnivores, very little is known about the small cats. With sparse information, it is difficult to obtain funding for conservation projects, provide protection for them, or establish conservation standards. Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF) is leading the way in protecting small endangered cats around the world.
Protect Small Cats
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect small cats around the world.
Small Wild Cats:
Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF)
Choose an amount to donate:
33
Species
Of small wild cats supported through projects across 41 countries.
4,300+
Dogs and Cats
Vaccinated in free vaccination and neutering campaigns across 11 countries from Mexico to Chile to reduce disease transmission from domestic dogs and cats to small wild cats.
200+
Members
Of community-led conservation initiative to transform former poachers into stewards of the African golden cat around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Tree Nurseries for Small Cats
The Clouded Leopard Working Group created three tree nurseries to replant degraded forests around 11 rural communities. Success of these programs exceeded expectations & will be expanded to an additional 30 rural villages next year.
Thriving People
Fishing Cat February
Fishing cats are a unique cat species that is confident and content in the water. They are threatened by the loss of wetlands, swamps and mangrove habitats. During the month of February, the Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance hopes to inspire in both children and adults, locally and globally, the necessity to act on behalf of fishing cats and protect wetland ecosystems. In 2024, SWCCF’s partners engaged a total of over 700 local community members.
Supporting Conservationists
Community Crafts Generate Income
In the Andes of Peru, SWCCF’s partner Quechua Women for Conservation, protects the high Andes Polylepis forest (the highest trees in the world) and three wild cats: Andean cat, Pampas cat, and Puma. In 2024, the 32 women used weaving skills to make products from alpaca wool, generating more than $7,000 for the local community.
Quote"While often over-shadowed by their larger and better-known relatives like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, small cats are important indicators of the health of an ecosystem."
Dr. Jim Sanderson, Founder & Executive Director Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF)
