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The Global Wild Cat
Conservation Organization
Continue to Panthera.org
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Furs for Life
The leopard is known for its gorgeous spots—but its beautiful fur has also made it one of the world’s most persecuted big cats.
In southern Africa, as many as 800 leopards are killed each year for their furs. With fewer than 5,000 leopards remaining in South Africa, this illegal killing poses a significant threat to their survival.

Many leopards are killed so their furs can be used by local religious groups like the Nazareth Baptist Church eBuhleni, commonly known as Shembe Church, for ceremonial garb. After discovering that Shembe followers were using as many as 15,000 illegal leopard furs, Panthera initiated the Furs for Life Leopard Program in 2013.    

Working with digital designers, Panthera created high-quality and affordable synthetic leopard fur capes, known as amambatha. More than 18,500 capes have already been donated to the Shembe with support from the Peace Parks Foundation and Cartier.

Thanks to the support of Shembe leaders, the synthetic furs are gaining increased acceptance as viable alternatives to real leopard furs. Panthera’s research indicates that use of real furs has already decreased by 50%, preventing hundreds of leopard deaths each year.

Join us in protecting Africa’s leopards. For $30, you can save a leopard's life by funding the production of one synthetic fur. 
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National Geographic profiles Panthera’s Furs for Life Program in ‘Can Fake Furs Help Protect Leopards?’
Saving Spots with Synthetic Furs
Panthera expanded its groundbreaking Furs For Life program in August 2019 with the launch of Saving Spots, a new culturally sensitive conservation partnership with the Lozi people of western Zambia. Through the project, Panthera has created synthetic fur garments known as “Heritage Furs” to replace real leopard, serval and lion furs used during Lozi festivals. Designed and endorsed by His Majesty the Lozi King and the Lozi Senior Chief, Panthera expects that the Heritage Furs will help to reduce the hunting of wild cats across southern Africa where the species are severely threatened.

Learn More 
Fur Forensics
Interviews with illegal wildlife traders have revealed that many furs used by the Shembe were not acquired from South Africa. In order to determine the origin of these furs—and therefore identify hot spots for leopard poaching—Panthera and its partners have developed a genetic database for leopards in southern Africa. With over 1,000 genetic samples from nine countries, this is the most comprehensive study of leopard genetics anywhere in the world. 
 
By providing authorities with data about where these furs are coming from, we hope to raise awareness about the scale and impact of the illegal fur trade and, most importantly, compel decision-makers to prioritize law enforcement efforts to stop the poaching of Africa’s leopards.
See the Brochure
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Listen Now: Furs for Life
Furs for Life Leopard Program Consultant Tristan Dickerson talks about using synthetic fur to protect real leopards in an interview with BBC World Service Radio.

Listen Now
Synthetic Fur Films
External
Video
2016-12-09 16:10:01
To Skin A Cat
Source: Scholars & Gentleman
External
Video
2016-12-08 22:31:49
Furs for Life
Source: Scholars & Gentleman
External
Video
2015-11-11 11:51:33
Can Fake Furs Help Protect Leopards?
Source: National Geographic
Latest Leopard News
External
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2021-07-12 21:00:00
Saudi Envoy to US Launches Global Wild Cat Group
Source: World Gulf
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“Catmosphere” A New Organization to Preserve Wild Cats
Source: Saudi 24 News
External
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2021-07-05 21:00:00
Born to Be Wild: A Daring Vision of the Arabian Leopard’s Future
Source: The Independent
Blog
Press Release
2021-04-08 14:22:02
Luxury in the Name of Leopards: Sotheby's and Panthera Auction Big Cat-Inspired Jewels to Benefit Species in the Wild
External
Popular Article
2021-03-31 11:53:51
The pandemic is a gift to poachers in Africa
Source: The Economist
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2021-03-28 11:53:51
Saudi Arabia’s mission to save the Arabian Leopard
Source: Arab News
External
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2021-03-15 21:00:00
Here's How A Leopard-Print Shirt Might Help Save Real Leopards In The Future
Source: World Atlas
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2021-03-02 11:53:51
Leopard print fashion could help save real leopards – if retailers start charging small royalties for spots
Source: inews
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2021-02-19 11:53:51
Fake it till you save it? Synthetic animal parts pose a conservation conundrum
Source: Mongabay
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2021-02-17 11:53:51
Leopard population tracking gets new approach
Source: The Hindu
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Popular Article
2021-02-12 11:53:51
Model Developed for Precise Count of Leopard Population
Source: The Sentinel Assam
Blog
Press Release
2020-12-15 14:51:54
Threatened Species Find a New Home in AlUla's Sharaan Nature Reserve
External
Popular Article
2020-11-17 14:07:32
Africa’s Pandemic-Fueled Conservation Crisis
Source: bioGraphic
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2020-11-16 14:25:23
Saudi Arabia’s Nature Reserves Thrive in Bid to Replenish Numbers of Threatened Animals
Source: Arab News
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2020-11-15 14:31:04
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2020-10-20 12:39:00
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Source: Biz News
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2020-10-20 12:34:28
$20 Million Brings the Arabian Leopard Back to Al-Ula
Source: Saudi 24 News
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2020-09-24 14:18:54
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Source: The Independent
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Video
2020-09-02 21:00:00
Leopard Conservation (Collaboration with andBeyond)
External
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2020-08-07 12:46:07
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Source: Southern Times Africa
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2020-06-05 21:00:00
An Arabian Leopard Resettlement Strategy in Saudi Arabia’s Sharaan
Source: Asharq al-Awsat
External
Popular Article
2020-06-05 21:00:00
Gazelles Reintroduced At Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, Could Pave Way For Arabian Leopard
Source: Arab News
Blog
Press Release
2020-06-04 18:10:14
Baby Gazelle's Wobbly First Steps Point Towards a New Future for AlUla's Nature Reserves and the Potential Return of Arabian Leopards
Blog
Press Release
2020-06-04 12:18:49
استراتيجية لإعادة توطين النمر العربي في محمية شرعان الطبيعية في العلا
External
Popular Article
2020-04-11 21:00:00
The African Leopard
Source: Caravan & Outdoor Life
External
Popular Article
2020-04-10 21:00:00
Exploitation Changes Leopard Behavior With Long-Term Genetic Costs
Source: The Conversation
External
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2020-04-08 21:00:00
This live-cam wild cat footage takes adorable animal content to the next level
Source: Lonely Planet
External
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2020-03-13 21:00:00
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining: Saving A Forest for the Benefit of Clouded Leopards and Humans
Source: The University of Oxford
External
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2020-03-08 21:00:00
Conserving snow leopards in Mongolia
Source: Discover Wildlife
External
Popular Article
2020-02-05 21:00:00
Lozis Embrace Replica Skins to Save Leopards
Source: Nkwazi Magazine
External
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2020-01-30 00:00:00
Un éléphant observé en liberté au Sénégal pour la première fois depuis des années
Source: Le Monde
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2020-01-02 00:00:00
Indochinese leopard in grave danger
Source: New Straits Times
External
Popular Article
2019-12-18 00:00:00
Digital designers create replica leopard furs for ceremonial wear in southern Africa
Source: CNN
External
Popular Article
2019-09-26 21:00:00
Inside the efforts to help animals hurt by the Amazon fires
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2019-09-10 21:00:00
A lifeline for the last leopards (commentary)
Source: Mongaybay
External
Popular Article
2019-09-09 21:00:00
Endangered Arabian leopard spotted in Oman
Source: The National
External
Popular Article
2019-08-30 21:00:00
Bolivia's Forest Fires Have Left More Than 2 Million Animals Dead
Source: Gizmodo
Blog
Press Release
2019-08-27 21:00:00
Panthera and Zambia's Lozi People Launch New Initiative Using Synthetic Furs to Protect Wild Cats
External
Popular Article
2019-08-26 21:00:00
Esteban Payán, Ph.D. interview on the Amazon fires (starts at 10:20 mark)
Source: Voice of America News
External
Popular Article
2019-08-22 21:00:00
Well-Spotted (Page 110)
Source: Responsible Traveller Magazine
External
Popular Article
2019-08-19 21:00:00
John Goodrich, Ph.D. interview on the tiger population estimate increase in India (starts at 19:30 mark)
Source: Voice of America News
External
Popular Article
2019-08-16 21:00:00
WATCH: Why Did These Lions Let This Leopard Off The Hook?
Source: Earth Touch News Network
External
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2019-08-10 21:00:00
Leopards in Guwahati’s Hills Jostle for Space
Source: Mongabay
External
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2019-08-05 21:00:00
Saudi Arabia has Announced the Birth of Two Critically Endangered Arabian Leopards
Source: VOGUE ARABIA
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2019-08-01 21:00:00
How the New Lion King Film Could Help the Real-Life Lion Crisis
Source: Town & Country Magazine
External
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2019-07-31 21:00:00
Spot the Difference: Two Arabian Leopard Cubs Born in Saudi Arabia
Source: The National
External
Popular Article
2019-07-31 21:00:00
Successful Birth of Arabian Leopard Cubs ‘New Beacon of Hope’ in Saudi Bid to Save Species from Extinction: Culture Minister
Source: Arab News
External
Popular Article
2019-07-31 21:00:00
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla Announces Birth of Two Arabian Leopard Cubs in Significant Boost to Critically Endangered Subspecies
Source: English
External
Popular Article
2019-07-31 21:00:00
Saudi Arabia: Arabian Leopard Gives Birth to Two Cubs
Source: Yahoo News
External
Popular Article
2019-07-31 21:00:00
Saudi Arabia: Arabian Leopard Gives Birth to Two Cubs
Source: Saudi Gazette
External
Popular Article
2019-07-31 21:00:00
Saudi Crusade Aims to Save Arabian Leopards From Extinction
Source: Al-Bawaba
Blog
Page
2019-07-31 12:29:01
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla Announces Birth of Two Arabian Leopard Cubs in Significant Boost to Critically Endangered Subspecies
External
Popular Article
2019-07-28 21:00:00
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Source: Yahoo Finance
External
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2019-07-26 21:00:00
The Lion King is Dying: Conservation Funding Stagnates as Clock Ticks Down on Saving the King of the Jungle
Source: MEAWW
External
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Source: France 2
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2019-07-22 21:00:00
Insolite – La Grotte Chauvet Sort Les Griffes
Source: YouTube
External
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2019-06-30 00:00:00
Saudi Arabia Has Signed a Multimillion-Dollar Deal Aimed at Saving the Arabian Leopard
Source: About Her
External
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2019-06-23 00:00:00
Saudi Arabia Has Signed a Multimillion-Dollar Deal Aimed at Saving the Arabian Leopard
Source: Africazine
External
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2019-06-18 00:00:00
Conservation SOS: Africa’s Leopards Battling Extinction
Source: Singita
External
Popular Article
2019-06-15 00:00:00
EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA: Royal Commission for Al-Ula Enters Into A $20 Million Partnership with Panthera to Prevent the Extinction of Arabian Leopards
Source: Gulf News Journal
External
Popular Article
2019-06-14 00:00:00
AlUla and Panthera Join Together to Save the Most Scarce Leopard Alive, The Arabian Leopard
Source: Independent Arabia
External
Popular Article
2019-06-09 00:00:00
$20 million deal signed to save Arabian leopard population
Source: Arab News
External
Popular Article
2019-06-09 00:00:00
$20 Million Deal Signed to Save Arabian Leopard Population
Source: Saudi Daily Record
External
Popular Article
2019-06-09 00:00:00
Its a $20 Million Deal: Saudi Aims to Save Arabian Leopards
Source: Albawaba
External
Popular Article
2019-06-09 00:00:00
Arabian leopard population given $20 million lifeline in new deal
Source: The National
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
Tom Kaplan Interview on Saving the Arabian Leopard and Leopards Around the Globe, (36:00 min mark)
Source: BBC Newshour
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
Saudi Arabia’s al-Ula to invest $20 million in world leopard conservation
Source: Al Arabiya
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
RCU teams up with Panthera Partner for leopard conservation
Source: Saudi Gazette
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
RCU teams up with Panthera Partner for leopard conservation
Source: Eye of Dubai
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
RCU teams up with Panthera Partner for leopard conservation
Source: Eye of Riyadh
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
AlUla and Panthera Sign Partnership Agreement to Support Arabian Leopard Initiatives
Source: Al Eqtisadiah
External
External
2019-06-08 00:00:00
Saudi Arabia is Setting Up a Global Fund to Protect and Reproduce the Remaining Arabian Leopards
Source: Asharq al-Awsat
External
Popular Article
2019-06-08 00:00:00
Badr bin Farhan Signs an Agreement with Panthera to Protect the Arabian Leopard
Source: AHM Saudi
Blog
Press Release
2019-06-07 10:07:25
تهدف إلى دعم الجهود العالمية للحفاظ على النمور الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا و"بانثيرا" توقعان اتفاقية شراكة لدعم مبادرات النمر العربي
External
Popular Article
2019-06-07 00:00:00
بدر بن فرحان يوقع اتفاقية مع «بانثيرا» لحماية النمر العربي
Source: Al Riyadh
External
Popular Article
2019-06-07 00:00:00
A A الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا و«بانثيرا» تدعمان مبادرات النمر العربي
Source: Aawsat
External
External
2019-06-07 00:00:00
Badr bin Farhan Signs an Agreement with Panthera to Protect the Arabian Leopard
Source: Okaz
External
External
2019-06-07 00:00:00
A Partnership Between AlUla and Panthera to Preserve the Arabian Leopard
Source: Al Watan
External
Popular Article
2019-06-07 00:00:00
Royal Commission for AlUla and Panthera Sign Agreement to Support Arab Leopard Initiatives
Source: Almowaten
External
Popular Article
2019-06-07 00:00:00
The Minister of Culture Signs an Agreement to Protect the Arabian Leopard from Extinction
Source: Al Madina
Blog
Press Release
2019-06-06 17:08:27
Royal Commission for AlUla and Panthera Partner on New Arabian Leopard Initiatives (ALI) to Champion Global Leopard Conservation
External
Panthera in the News
2019-04-22 12:47:17
Play A Part In Protecting Species While You Travel For Earth Day
Source: Forbes
External
Popular Article
2019-04-13 21:00:00
Video: The Unintended Victims of a Hidden Killer
Source: Africa Geographic
External
Popular Article
2019-04-11 21:00:00
The unintended victims of a hidden killer
Source: Peace Parks Foundation
External
Popular Article
2019-03-04 21:00:00
Rare India Black Leopard Caught on Film
Source: BBC
External
Popular Article
2019-03-04 21:00:00
Saving the Black Leopard
Source: The New York Times
External
Popular Article
2019-02-13 21:00:00
'Pet' Leopard Attacks Children in Chad Primary School
Source: The Guardian
External
Popular Article
2019-02-12 21:00:00
Africa’s Black Panthers Emerge From the Shadows
Source: The New York Times
External
Popular Article
2019-02-11 21:00:00
Black leopard spotted in Africa for first time in 100 years
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2019-01-29 21:00:00
A Lioness Adopts a Leopard Cub
Source: Seeker
External
Popular Article
2018-11-30 13:26:19
Singita partners with Panthera to undertake a key camera trap survey of leopards in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Source: Travel PR News
External
Popular Article
2018-11-27 13:24:58
Protecting the Most Persecuted Big Cat in the World
Source: Singita
External
Popular Article
2018-11-05 17:17:30
Leopard, hyena share a rare meal—before other cats cut in
Source: National Geographic
External
Popular Article
2018-10-30 11:04:21
Video: Why did this leopard kill one of its own?
Source: Earth Touch News
Blog
Press Release
2018-10-06 21:59:27
A Statement from Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan, Chairman of Panthera
External
Popular Article
2018-09-19 17:51:12
Are Leopards a Type of Anole? They Have Dewlaps!
Source: Anole Annals
External
Popular Article
2018-08-24 17:08:55
Trail camera captures perfectly timed photo of a leopard on the hunt
Source: Earth Touch News Network
External
Popular Article
2018-08-23 17:11:47
The Most Incredible Camera-Trap Leopard Photo Ever?
Source: Londolozi Blog
External
Popular Article
2018-08-15 15:32:40
Why the world needs big cats
Source: Houston Chronicle
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Dr. Guy Balme
Deputy Executive Director, Conservation Science; Director, Leopard Program
In South Africa, Panthera's Furs for Life Leopard Program is providing an innovative and real solution to a threat that is decimating leopard populations. Very rarely in the world of conservation do you see a resolution this simple and respectful of cultural and religious traditions that is so swiftly accepted by local communities.
Project Pardus
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