PROTECTING BIG CATS
We partner with some of the world’s leading big cat experts, funding on-the-ground research and innovative conservation projects to safeguard big cats and their critical habitats, while leading efforts to shine a light on the challenges these species face.
Since our work began in 2009, we have made significant impact.
150+
Grants awarded for work
in 28 countries
2.8K
Reduced threats for almost 3K big cats in the wild
2K
Livestock enclosures built, reducing human-wildlife conflict with big cats
13K
Life-threatening snares removed from big cat habitats
Local Impact
Connecting with local communities and leaders is an important component of many Explorers’ work.
Living with Leopards in Namibia
Marlice and Rudie van Vuuren work to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and change perceptions to help big cats thrive.
A Place for Cheetahs in South Africa
"Cheetah matchmaker" Vincent van der Merwe and his team are strengthening the cheetah gene pool by preventing inbreeding.
Kenya's Warrior Watch
The Samburu Warriors are working with their local communities to protect livestock and promote coexistence between people and lions.
Zambia's Lion Protectors
Nat Geo Explorer Thandiwe Mweetwa and Fulbright Scholar Henry Mwape work with the Zambian Carnivore Program to ensure a future for big cats.
Coexisting with Lions in Botswana
Andrew Stein and his team share life through a lion’s eyes to strengthen connections between humans and big cats.
Lion Recovery in Gorongosa National Park
Conservationist Paola Bouley uses data collection and patrols to identify key threats to Gorongosa's lions.
Photograph by Beverly Joubert" title="Photograph by Beverly Joubert
" width="600"/>Photograph by Mike Myers
About the Big Cats Initiative
Explorers-at-Large Dereck and Beverly Joubert and the National Geographic Society founded the Big Cats Initiative in 2009 as an effort to halt the decline of big cats in the wild. The Jouberts are globally known conservationists and filmmakers who have been working to help save big cats, other key wildlife species, and their habitats for over 30 years.
Since then, the National Geographic Society’s Big Cats Initiative has supported more than 80 scientists, conservationists, storytellers, and educators working to protect big cats in the wild.
With Support From
In Partnership With
National Geographic collaborates with multiple local and international NGOs, corporations, local community groups, and individuals on this effort including Endangered Wildlife Trust, Great Plains Conservation, Oxford University’s WildCRU, and others.