Author | Lightnews

Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 4d

The other branch from Proailurus led to Styriofelis (stir-ee-oh-FEE-lis), ancestor of all modern cats (Felinae + Pantherinae).

This lineage adapted and diversified into the 38+ wild cats alive today. 🐾

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #BigCats #SmallCats #Biodiversity

A visually striking, six-panel collage of modern wild cats, arranged in a 4:5 portrait ratio with two rows and three columns.
Row 1:
1. Black-footed Cat (left): A small cat with a spotted and striped coat, sitting on a log, looking directly at the viewer. Its eyes are green.
2. Lynx (center): A medium-sized cat with tufted ears and a grayish-brown coat, walking forward through the snow, with a serious expression.
3. Cheetah (right): A tall, slender cat with a spotted golden coat, walking down a dirt path, its black-ringed tail held high.
Row 2:
4. Puma / Cougar (left): A large, tawny brown cat poised on a rocky outcrop, looking intently forward.
5. Tiger (center): A massive cat with a distinctive black-striped orange coat, sitting upright in a forest environment with trees in the background.
6. Lion (right): A large male lion with a full, dark mane, standing regally on a rock, looking directly at the viewer from a dark, dramatic setting.
The overall style is realistic and naturalistic, showcasing the size and habitat diversity of the Felidae family.

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Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 5d

It’s okay not to have friends right now. Finding meaning in caring for wildlife and wild cats can be far more rewarding than chasing friendships that don’t feel real. The right people will come - and if not, that’s still okay. 🐾

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Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 7d

Smilodon vs. Homotherium 🦷 – what set them apart?

Dive into this WildFacts video to see! 🐾 youtu.be/9BZNRBQPHew

Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 8d

All cats trace back ~25–30M yrs to Proailurus (pro-AY-luh-rus), the first true cat (Felidae) 🐾

One branch became the extinct sabertooths (Machairodontinae – mah-KAI-roh-DON-tin-ee) 🦷: massive hunters like Smilodon and Homotherium, and lesser-known Lokotunjailurus.

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #Paleontology

Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 8d

All cats trace back ~25–30M yrs to Proailurus (pro-AY-luh-rus), the first true cat (Felidae) 🐾

One branch became the extinct sabertooths (Machairodontinae – mah-KAI-roh-DON-tin-ee) 🦷: massive hunters like Smilodon and Homotherium, and lesser-known Lokotunjailurus.

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #Paleontology

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Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 10d

From African savannahs to Arctic forests, wild cats have conquered nearly every corner of our planet. 🌍

Blue = smaller cats (Felinae)
Green = big cats (Pantherinae)

Wherever prey thrives, cats follow. 🐾

#WildCatsOfTheWorld #BigCats #Conservation
🗺️ Craig Pemberton / Wikipedia

World map showing the geographic distribution of wild cats (family Felidae). Areas shaded in blue represent the range of Felinae (small to medium cats, excluding domestic cats), while areas shaded in green represent the range of Pantherinae (big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars). Blue regions cover most of North America, Europe, northern Asia, and southern South America. Green regions are concentrated in Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of China.

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Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · 17d

From the tiny Black-footed Cat to the mighty Amur tiger, the cat family spans the globe.

Fierce, fragile, and fascinating – each species tells a story of survival.

Inspired by #WildCatsOfTheWorld by Luke Hunter. Stay tuned for more! 🐾

Book cover of Wild Cats of the World by Luke Hunter, illustrated by Priscilla Barrett, featuring a close-up of a wild cat’s face with green eyes and snow on its fur.

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · 24d

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗮 – wounded by a buffalo and left behind by her pride, she fought to survive and protect her cubs in the Okavango swamps.

Her story is one of resilience, motherhood, and survival in the wild. 🦁🌍

#FekeetsaTheLion #FekeetsaTheLioness #Lions #BigCats #WildlifeStories #NatureDocumentary

A lioness wades through swamp vegetation in the Okavango Delta, lit by warm golden light with tall reeds surrounding her and her eyes fixed ahead. Text on the image reads: “Fekeetsa — Okavango Lioness.” This is a scene from the documentary Okavango: River of Dreams - Episode 1: Paradise.

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Sep 20

Do wild animals like lions get skin cancer? 🤔

Surprisingly, it’s rare! Thick fur, pigmented skin, and clever adaptations – like evolution’s built-in sunscreen – keep even the king of the jungle safe under the sun. 🌞🦁

#WildlifeFacts #NatureProtection #Lions #BigCats

A male lion lies stretched out on a dirt road, resting on his side with his head on the ground, gazing toward the camera in soft evening light.

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Sep 16

Looking for a meaningful gift that gives back?
𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 is a stunning #photography book that supports tiger conservation 🐅

Beautiful enough for any coffee table – and it’s on sale! 📖

#WildlifeConservation #Tigers #PhotographyBook #NatureLovers #RememberingTigers #RememberingWildlife

Cover of the book Remembering Tigers. A tiger looks directly at the camera while sitting in tall grass. The title “Remembering Tigers” is printed across the image, along with the subtitle “Wildlife Photographers United” and “Foreword by Valmik Thapar.”

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Sep 13

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆?

By protecting wild families like this lion pride, you help ensure they’re still here for generations to come.

That’s a legacy worth leaving. 🦁🌍

Learn more or support @lionrecoveryfund.bsky.social

#WildLegacy #Conservation

A lioness sleeps on a rocky outcrop with her cubs tucked beside her, overlooking the open savanna. The family rests closely together in their natural habitat.

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Sep 7

If you believe in God,
protecting His creations is a sacred calling.

Whether in Christianity, Islam, or Judaism,
we are entrusted to care for the Earth.

Every creature is part of His world.
Let’s cherish and protect it. 🌍💚

#CreationCare #Khalifah #TikkunOlam

📸 Prakash Ramakrishnan

A tigress rests on rocky ground as one cub leans affectionately against her, while a second cub is partly hidden behind her. It’s a tender moment of connection that reflects the beauty and fragility of life in the wild.

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Sep 6

The drought in South Eastern Zambia is taking a heavy toll on wildlife. 🌍💔 It's heartbreaking to see, but we can help! Nsefu Wildlife is working to provide much-needed water by drilling new boreholes. Every contribution counts. 🙏

Learn more: nsefu.org/fundraisers

Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation @nsefuwildlife.bsky.social · Aug 14

South Eastern Zambia is experiencing a drought and wildlife in the region are feeling the effects! Help Nsefu Wildlife drill new boreholes, that can provide much needed water. nsefu.org/fundraisers #nsefu #nsefuwildlife #conservation #borehole #wildlife #zambia #well #drilling #fundraiser

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Aug 22

📷 Prints for Wildlife 2025 is live: 200+ photographers are offering limited-edition works, with proceeds benefiting Conservation International.

Browse here: www.printsforwildlife.org/collections/...

Since launch, the project has raised $2.1M+ for conservation.

A leopard rests between the branches of a large tree, its body stretched out and eyes gazing directly at the camera. Sunlight highlights the animal’s golden spots against the dark background. © Lukas Walter / Prints for Wildlife.

A one-horned rhinoceros grazes in a grassy clearing beneath a tall tree, with misty forested hills in the background. The scene is bathed in warm, muted light, creating a tranquil and timeless atmosphere. © Gabriella Fuchs / Prints for Wildlife.

A polar bear walks across snow-covered ice, one paw stretched toward a dark crack splitting the frozen surface. The bear glances upward, its white body blending with the stark Arctic landscape. © Lukas Walter / Prints for Wildlife. © Lianna Nixon / Prints for Wildlife.

A vibrant wetland scene filled with life—giraffes walk gracefully across the savanna as a massive flock of birds fills the sky above. In the foreground, dozens of pelicans and storks gather in the water, creating a striking display of biodiversity. © Shem Compion / Prints for Wildlife.

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Jul 20

Once our basic needs are met – food, shelter, and freedom – what more do we need to live well?

Just two things:
🧠 Curiosity – to keep learning and growing
🧡 Love – for wildlife, our planet, people, and ourselves

📸 by Inyati Game Lodge, Sabi Sands

A safari guide sits on the edge of a vehicle, smiling with quiet happiness as a wild lion walks nearby through tall golden grass on a misty morning. The scene feels quiet and respectful, capturing a peaceful moment between human and animal in nature.

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Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · Jul 19

📸 Photo by Rodrigo Ahumada Zeidan (IG: razeidan.photo)
📝 Original caption by #MountainLionFoundation

#wildfamilies #love #beautiful #mountainlion #torresdelpaine #ourwildcats #conservation

Our Wild Cats @ourwildcats.com · Jul 19

The way this puma cub looks at mom. 🥺

That little face says it all - mom is their whole world: teacher, protector, and hunting coach all in one.

Moments like these from Torres del Paine show why protecting habitat matters. When we save wild spaces, we help keep families together. 🐾

A mountain lion cub looks up lovingly at its mother while walking closely under her body. The mother gazes ahead, alert and calm, as they stand in the golden grasslands of Torres del Paine.

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Jul 15

🐘 Around 100 elephants are killed every day. A rhino every 8 hours.

Poaching is still decimating Africa’s wildlife, but some people are working hard to protect what’s left before it’s too late.

#CharitySpotlight #CareForOurPlanet

Photo credit: @nsefuwildlife.bsky.social / nsefu.org

A herd of elephants, including calves, walks through a shallow river surrounded by a flock of birds in flight and on the water. The tranquil scene is set against a wooded riverbank with soft morning or evening light reflecting on the surface.

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Jul 13

𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 “𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻” 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🔥

Because conservation isn’t just a feeling – it’s responsibility, action, and love for our planet and wildlife. 🌍🐾

Let’s talk real commitment, not buzzwords.

#NoMorePassion #ConservationWithLove #conservation

📷 Artur Cabral (IG: arturcabral)

A leopard lies on a tree branch surrounded by green leaves, baring its teeth and staring directly ahead with an intense expression. Text on the image reads: “Conservation isn’t just passion. It’s responsibility, action, love.”

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Jul 10

I’m no longer a volunteer or donor for a major wildlife charity due to misaligned values and lack of accountability.

Excited to support the #LionRecoveryFund, where 100% of donations go directly to field conservation. Real impact, real transparency 🦁✨

wildnet.org/protecting-w...

📸 ig/olicwildlife

A group of lions, mostly juveniles, walk away down a dirt track through dry grasslands in soft orange light. One adult lion sits slightly apart to the right, watching over the group. The scene is backlit by a warm sunset, casting long shadows and illuminating the haze of dust.

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Felidaefund @felidaefund.org · May 3

Today is International Leopard Day! A great opportunity to shine a light on this amazing but misunderstood big cat. Leopards are great climbers and swimmers. They’re found in Asia & Africa, but overall, the population is listed as Vulnerable to extinction under the IUCN.

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Felidaefund @felidaefund.org · Apr 30

A fishing cat in Bangladesh has been released back into a forest reserve after it walked into a residential home this past weekend. They're listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN, threatened by human encroachment, poaching, and for the exotic pet trade.
www.msn.com/en-xl/asia/b...

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Our Big Cats @ourbigcats.com · Apr 27

When annoying your sibling is your favorite pastime 🤼‍♂️😼

This playful #leopard duo is having a moment!

#DidYouKnow: #Leopards communicate using unique sound - males, for example, let out a hoarse cough to announce their presence 🐆🔊

🎥 ig/ajith.arjunan

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Felidaefund @felidaefund.org · Apr 22

Happy #EarthDay! Wild cats across the globe are a vital part of the Earth and its ecosystems. Our actions can make a difference for pumas and other species alike! You can help by picking up trash while out on the trails, keeping pets on leashes, and limiting hikes from sunrise to sunset.

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Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Apr 15

🦷 Just spoke with my dentist's office about helping collect oral care waste (toothbrushes, floss picks, empty tubes, etc.) from patients for recycling through these programs.

They were interested!

💡 Maybe your dentist would be too?

Our Planet Earth @ourplanetearth.xyz · Apr 14

Before this, I shared how Crest & Oral-B offer free recycling for their oral care waste.

Now here are other brands that do the same—some even accept any brand. And yes, shipping is free for all of them. 🧵

#OralCareRecycling #LowWaste #EcoTips

Cartoon-style illustration of logos for Colgate, Tom’s of Maine, and Hello, surrounded by oral care products like toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss picks, and recycling symbols on a beige background.

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Snow Leopard Network (SLN) @snowleopardnet.bsky.social · Apr 12

This #EarthDay 🌍 join us for a webinar celebrating 25+ years of #snowleopard conservation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Learn how BWCDO empowers communities to #coexist with wildlife.

📅 Apr 22nd | 🕖 19:00 Bishkek-time

🔗 Register: bit.ly/SLNCoex

#OurPowerOurPlanet @snowleopardcons.bsky.social

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