New research blog: The role of zoos in the conservation of Brazilian wild cats - what scientific and captive population data reveal

laurenjoannemoore
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Written by Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo, Professor (Associate) at Federal University of Ouro Preto

Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03094-x

Brazil is home to ten wild cat species, seven of which are currently threatened with extinction. While habitat loss and human conflict are key drivers of this decline, zoos and aquaria holding these species ex-situ can play an essential role in their conservation, not only by maintaining live populations but also by generating valuable scientific knowledge. In our recently published study in Biodiversity and Conservation, we combined scientometric analysis with zoo population data to assess what is known about these species and how zoos might help safeguard their future.

We analysed 1,116 peer-reviewed articles published between 1975 and 2023 alongside captive data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a global database of ex-situ animal holdings. This allowed us to evaluate how research and zoo populations intersect, which species are most studied, where they are kept and what this means for future conservation planning.

Charisma drives research, but not equally for all cats

As expected, larger and more charismatic species, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), dominated the scientific literature. The jaguar alone featured in over 67% of the publications. In contrast, smaller and less visible species like the Southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus) and the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) received far less attention.

Figure 3 from article: The number of articles separated by type of study for each species of threatened Brazilian wild cats. Different letters in the columns indicate statistically significant differences — *Figure 3 from article:* *The number of articles separated by type of study for each species of threatened Brazilian wild cats. Different letters in the columns indicate statistically significant differences*

Zoos as repositories of knowledge and reproduction

ZIMS data showed that all seven threatened Brazilian cat species are held and bred in zoos. Some, like the margay (Leopardus wiedii) and jaguar, have stable or growing captive populations with promising age structures for future reproduction. Others, such as the Northern tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) and the Pampas cat, show concerning trends with ageing populations, low breeding rates and small institutional representation.

First figure (Figure 5 from article): Population dynamics of the seven threatened Brazilian wild cats in zoos over the last 19 years (2004 to 2023) (brown), along with the number of keeping institutions (blue), number of births (green), and number of deaths (red).

Second figure (Figure 6 from article): Age pyramids of threatened Brazilian wild cat species kept in zoos around the world.

Zoos can fill critical knowledge gaps

We found striking gaps in behavioural, genetic and reproductive research for all species. These are areas where zoos can make a direct contribution, particularly since such studies are often difficult or impossible in the wild. Captive environments enable close observation, biological sampling and testing of reproductive technologies like semen collection, cryopreservation and assisted reproduction.

Underrepresented institutions in ZIMS

A notable limitation is that few South American zoos are registered in ZIMS. Since most of these species are native to the region, this creates a knowledge gap in global datasets. Encouraging more institutions in biodiversity-rich countries, such as Brazil, to join ZIMS would provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of ex-situ conservation efforts.

Figure 4b from article: Worldwide geographical distribution of zoological institutions that keep one of the seven species of Brazilian wild cats threatened with extinction

A path forward

Our findings emphasise that integrating zoo population data with scientific literature is crucial to understanding and protecting threatened species. Zoos should not be seen merely as exhibition centres, but as active hubs for conservation science, especially when it comes to lesser-known species. By fostering research partnerships, investing in reproductive programmes and sharing data through platforms like ZIMS, zoos can significantly enhance the conservation outlook for Brazil’s wild felids.

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