In spite of previous efforts, serious threats to cat-species remain. I ask the Flemish government for help for the protection of wild cats in Chile. Conservation programs must be set up, to ensure that all of the cat-species and their habitats are protected and species do not become extinct.
In spite of previous efforts, serious threats to cat-species remain, like habitat loss and modification, commercial hunting, commercial exploitation, or being killed as a 'pest'. Threatened species include the Andean mountain cat, the Pampas cat and others. I ask your help for the protection of wild cats in Chile. Conservation programs must be set up, to ensure that all of the cat-species and their habitats are protected and species do not become extinct.
Because of the enormous threats, I urge the Flemish government to use their authority to help. The Flemish government can play an important role and should do all they can do to ensure the survival of species, in this case the cats.
Specifically, I implore the government to support funding to the project ‘Expedition Small cats - Chile’. Funding is needed for:
* research to fill up the gaps in knowledge of the biology and natural habitat (main aim is research by local biologists and under control of American and European specialists)
* buying research material (camera traps, box traps…) to make research possible
* set up breeding and rehabilitation facilities (Chile) and programs (Chile) for cat and prey species in accordance with research
* financial support for international breeding programs for small cat species when native breeding programs for the species do not succeed
* buying up land occupied by cats or between cat populations in order to stabilize populations and open natural corridors to allow neighboring groups to breed
* buying up hunting rights in crucial areas to prevent accidental casualties and the use of dangerous snares and traps
* reduce conflicts between people and cats
* international and local education programs
* costs in transports, papers, communications
Because no government in Latin- America has the money for conservation- programs, breeding facilities, buying up land; I urge European governments to use their authority and possibility to help. Raised money in Belgium and the Netherlands will be used for conservation-projects in Chile. The main aim of the project 'Expedition Small Cats' is to help the cat species in whole Latin- America.
ACT NOW AND SEND A MESSAGE TELLING THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT TO USE THEIR AUTHORITY TO FUND CONSERVATION- PROJECTS IN CHILE.
