WCN Wildlife Conservation Network

Leadership

The leadership of the Andean Cat Alliance reflects its character as a multinational coalition dedicated to the conservation of the feline throughout its four-country range. Lilián Villalba, a biologist from Bolivia, serves as General Coordinator. Each country has a Representative, and there are Working Group Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators for each program area.

Stuffed Andean cat, Photo: Mauro Lucherini

Threats

The Andean cat is the most endangered cat species in the Americas. It lives exclusively in the high-altitude deserts of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. Only slightly larger than a domestic cat, it is sometimes killed under the misconception of being dangerous. Some local people use stuffed cats and skins in traditional dances and religious ceremonies and believe that killing a cat will bring good fortune.

Children's education program in Argentina, Photo: Elaine Iverson

Solutions

The Andean Cat Alliance, Alianza Gato Andino (AGA), works to protect the Andean cat in all four range countries. Conservationists from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru established the Alliance and produced a Conservation Action Plan in 2004. Collaboratively, they review current threats to the cat and coordinate conservation activities. Participation by local community members drives AGA's education and research programs.

Communities Conserving the Andean Cat

"The Punarunas and
the Osqollo"

The Punarunas (men from the Puna) are one of the last pastoral nations of the world; their communities are located from 4000 to 5500 meters above sea level around the Ausangate glacier. In the past, they were responsible for the exchange of food, minerals and other trade items, connecting coastal, highland and jungle communities of ancient Peru. To accomplish this feat, Punarunas relied on large herds of llamas to carry all the products for trade. More