About ISEC Canada

Our Mission: To aid in the wild conservation and captive preservation of endangered and threatened small wild cat species though education, scientific observation and support for captive breeding of critically endangered species.

The International Society for Endangered Cats ISEC) Canada was incorporated as a federally registered, tax charitable non-profit organization in Canada in 1990. We are based in Calgary, Alberta. None of the directors or other personnel involved receives a salary – we are a totally volunteer organization. This allows us to spend all profits from donations, memberships and product sales directly on wild cat conservation programs.

ISEC Canada founder and Director Pat Bumstead is a member of the IUCN/Species Survival Commission Reintroduction Specialist Group.

Wild cat conservation is a multi-faceted process, with four equally important areas to be addressed. Since our inception, we have been supporting the following goals. 

EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

• Established a members' network around the world, and developed newsletters on the status of, and issues concerning, the small wild cats.  
• Compiled and continue to maintain a Research Library containing scientific and popular data 
• Prepared Feline Facts, a booklet of fact sheets on all wild cat species, and Wild Cat Facts, a junior version of the same information. These books have been distributed to schools, libraries and conservationists around the world 
• Published articles in newspapers and magazines, written a variety of informational brochures and booklets on wild cat conservation issues.  
• Supplied books and information on conservation, ecology and wild cats to over 18 countries  
• Created school programs for Grades one through six, dealing with the dangers facing wild cats 

CAPTIVE BREEDING

We are a continuing supporter of a private breeding facility in southern California. This centre has successfully been reproducing the smallest wild cats for over 30 years, and is recognized as a world leader in their care. ISEC Canada supplies funding and volunteer hours for the cats housed here.

The Iberian Lynx is recognized as one of the most endangered wild cats in the world, with under 120 animals left. ISEC supplies funding to the El Acebuche Captive Breeding Centre in Spain, the first ever captive breeding centre for these cats.

The Clouded Leopard Project is dedicated to the conservation of clouded leopards in Thailand. This multi-faceted project supports captive breeding, rehabilitation, field research and education on clouded leopards, both in Thailand and around the world.

FIELD RESEARCH

Wild Cats of Brazil - Project Wild Cats of Brazil is a large scale multidisciplinary effort to study Brazilian felids. It started as a project on the biology, distribution and conservation status of the little spotted cat, that joined together all researchers conducting field work with the species throughout Brazil. This small cat is currently the main focus, but the project greatly expanded to include all other felids in all Brazilian biomes.

Argentinean Cat Conservation -
Headed by Dr. Mauro Lucherini, Grupo de Ecologia Comportamental de Mamiferos (GECM) has started the Argentinean Cat Conservation Biology Program, with the aim of contributing to the understanding and conservation of Argentinean cats. Particular attention is given to four species, whose reported geographical range is widely included within Argentinean borders: Geoffroy's cat, kodkod,Pampas cat and Andean Mountain cat.

The Black Footed Cat Project - The tiny black footed cat is one of the least studied of all African species, being rarely encountered. The study gathered information on activity patterns, range use, behavioural patterns and feeding ecology of this endangered cat. The biologist obtained the first ever photo of black footed cat kittens in the wild, at two days old. Research project is ongoing.

Spatial Ecology and Conservation of Felids - This was a long-term field study on the ecology of several rare and endangered felids in Thailand. It met with success with the trapping and radio collaring of several previously unstudied cats: clouded leopard, marbled cat and Asiatic golden cat. In addition, leopard cats, a relatively common small cat in the study area, were also radio tracked.

Malaysia Carnivore Project - An international scientific team dedicated to the conservation of Asian carnivore species. Working within Krau Wildlife Reserve, their aim is to increase the knowledge base of Malaysian carnivores using various field methods such as live-trapping, camera-trapping and radio-telemetry

The Global Cheetah Project - Field researcher Paule Gros, working under world renowned cheetah authority Dr. Tim Caro, did an ambitious count of cheetah populations and status throughout its African range. She identified key populations and the nature and extent of the threats these populations face. She also spent a great deal of time with officials in those range countries, working toward solutions to benefit the cheetah and the local population.

The Clouded Leopard Project - An initial survey in the Indian states of Mizoram and Sikkim to access the occurance and status of the clouded leopard. Camera traps were used to record these elusive animals. While no photographs were obtained, definitive evidence for its occurance in Mizoram was found, and areas requiring urgent protection to revive wildlife values depleted by hunting were identified. The Pangola area of Sikkim also has to be declared a protected area to ensure protection of clouded leopard habitat in the western limit of its range.

The Alberta Cougar Project - Initiated in 1982, this project was the longest running study of the cougar in North America. Data was collected in the mountains of south western Alberta on population density, reproductive data, prey species, and ecology of the cougar. Findings from this study were incorporated into a comprehensive government management plan for this cat.

The East Kootenay Lynx Project - This study focused on regional distribution, abundance and habitat association, spatial organization, dispersal and movement patterns of the lynx in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia. A habitat suitability model was designed for the Canadian lynx at the southern limit of their range.

HABITAT PRESERVATION

Participated in land purchase programs in Costa Rica, Brazil, Cambodia and Canada, setting aside natural areas and wildlife corridors for wildlife.

The International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada is a registered non-profit charity under Canadian law, Federal Charity Number 13308-8641-RR001. Tax receipts will be issue to Canadian citizens for donations over $10.00. Sorry - we cannot issue tax receipts for membership dues or international donations.