FOUR PAWS calls for an end to the commercial breeding and trade of all big cats.
Cape Town — On Endangered Species Day observed on 15 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS warns that South Africa remains at the centre of a growing crisis threatening some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species: big cats.
While lions, leopards and cheetahs continue to symbolise South Africa’s rich natural heritage, all are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) due to widespread threats from habitat loss, conflict with humans and critically, the commercial trade and exploitation of big cats. South Africa also hosts a significant number of non‑native big cats, including tigers, kept in captivity for profit, further fuelling global demand for big cat parts and derivatives.
Big cats at risk in the wild and behind fences
Leopards and cheetahs are listed under CITES Appendix I, meaning international commercial trade is prohibited due to the high risk of extinction. The African lion is listed under CITES Appendix II, allowing regulated trade despite mounting concerns about captive breeding and trade in bones and body parts. Tigers, not native to South Africa but widely kept in captivity, are also listed under Appendix I, with international commercial trade also prohibited.
Despite these protections, FOUR PAWS highlights that fragmented regulations, weak enforcement and legal loopholes continue to enable the exploitation of big cats, undermining conservation efforts both locally and globally.
“Endangered Species Day brings into sharp focus the uncomfortable reality that big cats in South Africa are not only threatened in the wild, but also exploited behind bars,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “As long as big cats are bred, traded and kept for commercial gain, every one of these species remains at risk and South Africa plays a pivotal role in either ending or enabling this cruelty.”
The vicious cycle of exploitation
FOUR PAWS’ #BreakTheViciousCycle campaign exposes how the commercial breeding, keeping and trade of big cats perpetuates a self‑reinforcing cycle of cruelty, where animals are treated as commodities rather than sentient beings. This cycle not only causes immense suffering for individual animals but also fuels illegal wildlife trade networks and drives further declines in wild populations worldwide.
South Africa has been identified as a source, transit and destination country for big cats and their parts, with legal trade often providing cover for illegal activities. FOUR PAWS has consistently called for an end to the commercial trade of all big cats, indigenous and non-native alike, to close these loopholes once and for all.
“The commercial exploitation of big cats has no conservation value,” Miles adds. “Instead, it damages South Africa’s international reputation, puts pressure on wild populations across the globe, and condemns thousands of animals to a life of suffering. Breaking this vicious cycle requires decisive political action and public support and it cannot wait.”
A call to action
On Endangered Species Day 2026, FOUR PAWS urges decision‑makers to move beyond commitments and implement clear, time‑bound measures to:
• End the commercial breeding and keeping of all big cats for profit
• End the commercial trade of big cats, their parts and derivatives within, into and from South Africa
• Strengthen enforcement in line with South Africa’s CITES obligations
• Support genuine conservation and animal welfare initiatives that protect species without exploiting individual animals
• FOUR PAWS also calls on the public to reject exploitative wildlife tourism, speak out against unethical facilities and stand behind efforts to #BreakTheViciousCycle.
“Protecting endangered species means changing the systems that exploit them,” says Miles. “If South Africa truly wants to be a global leader in conservation, it must choose protection over profit for big cats, and for future generations.”
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
Author: Deidre Daniels from .
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