The African golden cat, a species so elusive that its population remains largely unknown, is receiving new attention as innovative technology aids conservation efforts. Mwezi Mugerwa, a conservation biologist working in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, first encountered this mysterious feline while analyzing camera trap footage. The animal, approximately twice the size of a domestic cat, caught Mugerwa off guard, as none of his colleagues could identify it. Local hunters, however, recognized the “cryptic” cat, known as Embaka in the local language, often found inadvertently trapped in snares set for other animals.
Mugerwa’s concern for this species runs deep; he has dedicated 16 years to studying Africa’s least understood big cat. Found primarily in dense tropical forests across Central and Western Africa, the African golden cat has not been the subject of a population assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for over a decade. Throughout his extensive fieldwork, Mugerwa has only glimpsed the cat three times. He emphasizes the urgency of gathering reliable data to protect the species, which prompted him to initiate the first population census of the African golden cat, expected to yield findings next year.
Collaborative Conservation Initiatives
Recognizing the need for a broader effort, Mugerwa founded the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance (AGCCA) in 2019. This network brings together 46 conservationists across 19 countries to conduct a standardized camera trap survey. Supported by funding from the National Geographic Society, the AGCCA has established the largest camera trap grid for any African wildlife species, covering 30 sites. Mugerwa acknowledges the challenge of manually reviewing thousands of images, a process that proved arduous.
In a parallel effort, the nonprofit organization Panthera has been developing an AI algorithm capable of sorting through these images and identifying individual cats based on their unique coat patterns. This breakthrough is crucial, as distinguishing each cat is nearly impossible without such technology due to their small size and subtle markings. Preliminary analyses indicate that the African golden cat exists at low densities, even in protected areas. For instance, surveys in Uganda and Gabon revealed just 16 individuals per 100 square kilometers.
The findings have also highlighted the severe impact of poaching on the species. In regions where hunting restrictions are enforced, Mugerwa noted that cat populations were up to 50% higher, accompanied by a broader distribution. Interestingly, the research revealed that while the cats are active both day and night, many tend to remain nocturnal to evade human activity.
Community Engagement and Anti-Poaching Efforts
The next phase of Mugerwa’s research is not just to count the cats but to address the threats they face. He identified hunting as the primary danger to the African golden cat. Although the species is not typically the main target for hunters in East Africa, indiscriminate bushmeat snares, which are set for larger animals, often trap golden cats unintentionally. Reports from 2019 indicated that around 80 golden cats had been caught in snares across three Ugandan forests, with 88% of these incidents being accidental.
Mugerwa describes the situation as a bushmeat crisis, asserting that the hunting levels in these forests are unsustainable and pushing the species towards extinction in many regions. To combat this threat, he initiated the Embaka project, the first community-based anti-poaching program focused on the African golden cat. The initiative involves over 8,000 families across its range, including countries like Gabon, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.
By engaging local communities, many of whom were once poachers, the project encourages the use of camera traps and the reporting of sightings. Mugerwa emphasizes the value of local knowledge, stating that data about the cats’ range expansion comes from hunters themselves. To incentivize community participation, the project offers benefits such as dental care and livestock support, fostering a culture of conservation.
Mugerwa believes that by involving reformed hunters, the threat to the golden cat diminishes, while simultaneously improving relationships between the species and local populations. This collaborative approach not only supports the conservation of the African golden cat but also empowers communities to take ownership of their natural heritage.
As efforts to protect this mysterious feline continue, the integration of technology with grassroots initiatives may hold the key to securing a future for one of Africa’s most elusive big cats.
