Introduction: Big cats and their significance

Big cats are among the most iconic and charismatic animals on the planet. The term "big cats" refers to a group of large predatory felines, including tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards. Big cats play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their respective habitats. They are at the top of the food chain and help regulate the populations of their prey species, which in turn helps maintain the health of ecosystems.

Apart from their ecological significance, big cats also hold cultural and religious significance in many societies. They are often revered as symbols of power, strength, and wisdom and are integral to the identity and heritage of many cultures worldwide. However, despite their iconic status, big cats are facing a range of threats that are pushing them towards the brink of extinction.

Threats to big cats: habitat loss and degradation

One of the biggest threats to big cats is habitat loss and degradation. Due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture, the natural habitats of big cats are being destroyed at an alarming rate. As their habitats shrink and become fragmented, big cats face numerous challenges, including reduced access to prey, increased competition for resources, and increased human-wildlife conflict.

Habitat loss and degradation also affect the genetic diversity and viability of big cat populations. As populations become isolated and fragmented, genetic diversity decreases, and the risk of inbreeding increases. This can lead to reduced fitness and resilience, making populations more vulnerable to other threats such as disease outbreaks and climate change.