Herding Big Cats: Personal Stories of Saving the Future of Wild Tigers and Other Big Cats – Cover Art: Julia Pashnina
What does it take to save the world’s most iconic predators? According to the contributors of Herding Big Cats, a remarkable new publication from the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), the answer requires not only courage, science, and determination but also demands the ability to bring the next generation together for conservation action. Dr. Andrey Kushlin created and led this global storytelling initiative. His decades of work with the Global Tiger Initiative and the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program helped shape one of the most ambitious collaborations in big cat conservation.
Voices from the Frontlines of Conservation
Recognizing the power of personal narratives to educate and inspire, the IBCA invited scientists, educators, community leaders, and advocates from around the world to share their firsthand experiences protecting big cats. Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) is proud to be among the organizations contributing to the volume.
Founder and President Dr. Rodney Jackson authored “A Pact with Ghosts.” This section reflects on his pioneering snow leopard research, including the world’s first snow leopard radio-tracking study and the early camera-trap work that helped reveal the lives of these elusive “ghost cats” to the world.
Executive Director Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson contributed “Guarding the Mountain Guardians,” drawing on her experiences working with snow leopards in managed human care and through community-led conservation. It highlights the dedication and collaboration required to protect this threatened species.
SLC and Land of Snow Leopard (LOSL) Network partner Dr. Qurbonidin Alamshoev co-authored “The Stone Spirit’s Promise.” This section shares a powerful account from Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains that underscores the deep cultural connections between local communities and snow leopards and the vital role those relationships play in fostering coexistence.
Together, these authors demonstrate how rigorous science, field research, and community-based conservation can secure a future for snow leopards and the mountain ecosystems they inhabit.
The final result is an extraordinary collection of more than 50 real-life accounts spanning four continents and the habitats of all seven great cats: the tiger, lion, jaguar, puma, leopard, cheetah, and snow leopard. Although the editors designed the book primarily to inspire teenagers and young adults living within and near big cat range countries to become the next generation of wildlife stewards, readers of all ages and backgrounds will find these stories compelling.
Why Herding Big Cats?
The title Herding Big Cats captures the core lessons woven throughout the book. Tracking elusive predators across mountains, forests, grasslands, and deserts is challenging enough. Yet conservationists often discover that their greatest challenge is bringing together people with different priorities, perspectives, and interests. Successful conservation depends on cooperation among countries and local communities, academia and research institutions, businesses and nonprofit organizations. In many ways, guiding people toward a shared purpose can prove even more difficult than spotting a snow leopard in the mountains.
Exploring the Stories Within
The book is organized into nine thematic sections that explore conservation from multiple perspectives. Readers begin with “Beauty and the Beast,” which recounts the psychological impact of first encounters with big cats in the wild. “Circle of Life” examines the intricate relationships between these species and their ecosystems. And “We Be of One Blood, Thou and I” chronicles the efforts of people striving to coexist peacefully alongside these magnificent animals.
Other sections explore the cultural and spiritual significance of big cats. The book then examines the threats they face from habitat loss and human conflict and the victories and setbacks experienced by those working to protect them. The final section, “The Big Cat Playbook,” serves as an accessible guide filled with maps, facts, lessons learned, and practical insights. Together, these sections create a captivating blend of adventure, education, and inspiration.
A Global Launch Delayed, Not Diminished
Organizers originally scheduled the launch of Herding Big Cats during the first IBCA Summit in New Delhi this June. They planned the gathering to coincide with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit and to highlight the critical role African nations play in global big cat conservation. Following consultations among the Government of India, the African Union, and the African Union Commission regarding an evolving public health situation affecting parts of Africa, organizers jointly decided to postpone the event to ensure broad participation by African stakeholders. As a result, they also postponed both the IBCA Summit and the book launch. New dates will be announced soon.
Fittingly, this decision reflects the heart of Herding Big Cats: protecting the world’s great cats requires global collaboration across continents, cultures, and borders. Conservation succeeds when everyone can participate, contribute, and be heard. The delay will help ensure that opportunity when the summit convenes. Until then, Herding Big Cats stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and to the remarkable individuals around the world who dedicate their lives to safeguarding these extraordinary animals. We look forward to celebrating its official launch and sharing these inspiring accounts of perseverance, innovation, coexistence, and hope with readers everywhere.
In the meantime, please feel free to download the book’s PDF version for your personal use: https://TinyURL.com/HerdingBigCats-Book.