A new study by wildcat conservation NGO Panthera has revealed that cultural and traditional practices across Africa are posing a significant yet overlooked threat to wildcat species such as leopards, lions, servals, and cheetahs. The research, published in March 2025, highlights how wildlife parts like skins, claws, and bones continue to be used in rituals, ceremonies, and attire by traditional leaders, healers, and religious groups.
While habitat loss and poaching have long been recognized as major conservation challenges, the study notes that cultural demand for wildcat parts remains poorly understood and under-addressed. Co-author Marine Drouilly from Panthera said that many conservation efforts fail because they ignore local beliefs and traditions. “Cultural practices such as using animal parts in rituals, medicine, or for status symbols are often overlooked, even though they can significantly impact wildlife populations,” she explained.
The research team reviewed nearly 600 historical and contemporary accounts of customary wildcat use and analyzed more than 500 online videos documenting such practices across 48 African countries. Leopards were found to be the most frequently used species, followed by lions, servals, and cheetahs.
In South Africa, for example, leopard skins are integral to the ceremonial attire of the Shembe Church’s 9 million members and symbolize royalty among traditional kingdoms such as the amaZulu and Ngoni. Across the continent, wildcat parts are used for traditional medicine, religious rituals, and as status symbols, reflecting deep-rooted cultural ties to these animals.
However, conservationists caution that these traditions are driving unsustainable levels of hunting and trade. “There are no positive impacts of such use,” said Tarik Bodasing of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, warning that cultural demand often masks illegal wildlife trade.
Ecologist Philip Muruthi of the African Wildlife Foundation offered a more balanced view, emphasizing that while communities value these species symbolically, sustainable practices must be promoted. “Communities should be partners in conservation, learning how their traditions affect the species they revere,” he said.
The study’s authors stressed that their goal is not to vilify cultural practices but to integrate cultural understanding into conservation policy. They argue that acknowledging the spiritual and social significance of these species can help design more culturally sensitive, community-based conservation strategies.
Panthera researchers hope their findings will guide future collaboration between conservationists, local communities, and religious institutions to protect wildcat populations without undermining cultural heritage. As Drouilly noted, “Recognizing the cultural demand is the first step toward creating conservation solutions that work with, not against, local traditions.”