UN joins call for protection of planet's big cats on World Wildlife Day
Big cats, the planet's most majestic predators, are under increasing threat - mostly caused by human activities - and this year's World Wildlife Day, the United Nations is joining the world in raising awareness to their plight and galvanizing support for the many actions already under way to safe these iconic species, the UN news portal reported.
"This year," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message on the Day, "the spotlight falls on the world's big cats," which include species such as cheetahs, pumas and snow leopards, found from Africa to Asia and the Americas.
"These charismatic creatures are universally revered for their grace and power, yet they are increasingly in danger of extinction," he continued, noting the massive decline in their numbers.
According to the source, just over a century ago, some 100,000 wild tigers roamed Asia, while fewer than 4,000 remain today. All the big cats are collectively under threat from habitat loss, climate change, poaching, illicit trafficking, and human-wildlife conflict.
"We are the cause of their decline, so we can also be their salvation," Mr. Guterres asserted. "The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include specific targets to end the poaching and illegal trafficking of protected species of wild fauna and flora."
Last year, UN Member States adopted the third in a series of resolutions tackling wildlife decline.
"Ultimately, the solution to saving big cats and other threatened and endangered species is conservation policy based on sound science and the rule of law," noted the UN chief, adding the need that local people be given full consideration.