Farmers build protective pens called “bomas” for their livestock, such as this one in Kenya.


Living With Big Cats Can humans and big cats live together peacefully? Many people think they can. It will take extra effort on everyone’s part. In some areas, wildlife conservationists


pay farmers for lost livestock, so long as they agree not to kill big cats. Conservationists also teach farmers ways to keep their livestock safe. One technique that has worked well is to build a boma. A boma is a pen for the livestock. It is made from wood and metal sheets or wire fencing. It keeps big cats from getting in and attacking livestock at night. In many countries, governments have


set aside large areas of land as reserves. Tere, animals are protected from habitat loss and hunting.


More Solutions Tere are other solutions, too. In Central and South America, conservationists are working with governments to connect pieces of jaguar habitat. Safe routes between wild places mean jaguars can breed and hunt throughout their range, even though humans live in parts of it. Clear paths for jaguar migration can help ensure these big cats remain strong and diverse.


8 In Southeast Asia, scientists have identified


vast areas of healthy tiger habitat. Tese areas have enough wild land and prey to support an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 tigers. In northern Asia, community reforestation


projects in Nepal are creating tiger habitat out of previously cleared land. If the world’s remaining tigers can be protected, there are areas where they can thrive. In Africa and Asia, ecotourism, including


photo safaris, may help big cats, too. Travelers pay money to see big cats up close. Local people who work at lodges and for tour companies make money. For them, big cats are more valuable alive than dead. Tat makes big cats worth protecting.


Nine Lives In 2009, the National Geographic Society launched the Big Cats Initiative. It supports scientists and conservationists working to save big cats in the wild. Trough conservation projects, education,


and spreading the word about big cats, this program hopes to ensure the long-term survival of all big cats.


You can learn more about how to protect big cats. Go to causeanuproar.org


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