Andean Cat Alliance

Organization

AGA was founded in 1999, and comprises around 25 professional biologists and other scientists.

Andean cat

The Andean mountain cat (or Andean cat for short) is regarded as one of the most endangered wild cats in the world and perhaps the rarest South American wild cat. Very little is known about this species and there have been only 10 documented sightings in the last 25 years.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425015351/http://elevatedestinations.com/benefits_peru.html |archive-date=2012-04-25 |access-date =2017-12-28 |archive-date =2015-09-07 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150907010224/http://wildnet.org/updates?pid=2

Programs

Geographic distribution

The Andean Cat Alliance uses camera trapping, DNA analysis of feces, and surveys of local inhabitants to confirm the andean cats presence. AGA has widened the cat's known range in Peru and Argentina and has helped to better understand its population density and genetic variability.

Education

The Andean Cat Alliance conducts training for park guards and local people to help them become local wildlife monitors so they may better contribute to protecting the andean cat and its habitat. Other activities include holding seminars and community festivals to both develop conservation strategies, and to raise awareness and learn the needs of the communities in each of the four range countries.{{cite web

Conservation centers

The Alliance is building an EcoMuseo ("Ecological Museum") in the "Centro Poblado Menor de Alto Perú," a Peruvian village located in proximity to andean cat habitat.

Increasing Protected Areas

One of the main goals of the Alliance is to work with governments to strengthen management of Andean cat habitat and promote new protected areas and corridors where needed.

Programs change from time to time. A current list can be found at the AGA website

References

References

1. "About Us – Alianza Gato Andino". AGA.
2. "Andean Cat Alliance at Wildlife Conservation Network". WCN.
3. Villalba, L.. (2016). "''Leopardus jacobita''".
4. (2014). "The Wild Cat Book: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cats". University of Chicago Press.
5. (24 November 2016). "Cuatro países de Latinoamérica se unen para salvar al gato andino". La Mula (Peru).
6. (18 September 2015). "Gotcha! Elusive and rare Andean mountain cats snapped in new location". Earth Touch News Network.
7. Benedicto Cuervo Álvarez. (17 July 2016). "El gato andino". Otro Mundo Es Posible.
8. "Programs".