The African golden cat, a rare and elusive species, is facing significant threats due to hunting and habitat loss. Conservation biologist Mwezi Mugerwa has embarked on a mission to better understand and protect this “cryptic” feline, often found in the dense forests of Central and Western Africa. His groundbreaking research, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) technology, aims to provide critical data on the species’ population and distribution by March 2024.
While reviewing camera trap footage in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mugerwa first encountered the African golden cat, initially failing to identify it. His colleagues were equally stumped, but local hunters recognized the species, known as Embaka in their language. The realization that such a mysterious animal was being caught unintentionally in snares was alarming for Mugerwa. He has since devoted 16 years to studying this under-researched big cat, which is so rare that the last assessment from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lacks current population estimates.
With only fleeting glimpses of the African golden cat throughout his career, Mugerwa recognized the need for a comprehensive population census. To facilitate this, he established the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance (AGCCA) in 2019, bringing together 46 conservationists from 19 countries. This collaboration launched the largest standardized camera trap survey for any African wildlife species, supported by funding from the National Geographic Society.
Reviewing the thousands of images captured has proven challenging. However, collaborative efforts with the nonprofit organization Panthera, which is developing an AI algorithm, promise to streamline the identification process. This technology allows researchers to differentiate individual cats based on their unique coat patterns, akin to how tiger stripes function as fingerprints. “That’s really important, because now we are able to speak to number and density,” Mugerwa explained, noting that without AI, distinguishing these small and subtly marked cats would be nearly impossible.
Preliminary findings indicate that the African golden cat exists at low densities, even within protected areas. Surveys in Uganda and Gabon revealed as few as 16 individuals per 100 square kilometers. The research also highlights the dire effects of poaching. In regions with hunting restrictions, cat populations were found to be up to 50% higher, suggesting that conservation efforts can have a significant impact.
Mugerwa’s insights have also observed the cats’ activity patterns, noting that while they can be active during both day and night, many individuals tend to be primarily nocturnal, likely to evade human activity.
Community Engagement in Conservation Efforts
Understanding the threats to the African golden cat is just the beginning. Mugerwa identified hunting as the primary danger to the species. In East Africa, while the golden cat is not usually the target for hunters, indiscriminate bushmeat snares pose a significant risk. In 2019, reports indicated that 80 golden cats were caught in snares across three Ugandan forests, with 88% of these occurrences being accidental.
“We are dealing with a bushmeat crisis: the level of hunting ongoing in this forest is unsustainable and out of control,” warned Mugerwa. He emphasized that the species is on the brink of extinction in many of its range countries.
To address this issue, Mugerwa initiated Embaka, the first community-based anti-poaching conservation project focused on the African golden cat. This initiative connects with over 8,000 families across the cat’s range, including Gabon, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda. The project actively engages local communities, many of whom were formerly involved in poaching, to deploy camera traps and report sightings.
Mugerwa highlights the importance of local knowledge, stating, “We have learned a lot from local communities; the range expansion, for instance, some of that data comes from hunters.” The Embaka project also provides incentives such as dental care and livestock support to encourage communities to protect the ecosystem.
By involving reformed hunters, the initiative not only mitigates the threat to the golden cat but also fosters a positive relationship between the species and local populations. Mugerwa believes this collaborative approach allows communities to take ownership of the conservation efforts, creating a sustainable model for both wildlife protection and community development.
As the project progresses, the data collected will be crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies, ensuring that the African golden cat does not vanish before it is fully understood.
