Wild mammals
New book highlights decades of big cat conservation
Wildlife photographer Steve Winter and journalist Sharon Guynup released a new volume showcasing their years tracking wild felines.
Reported by Mongabay · · 1 min read
A wildlife photographer and an environmental journalist have teamed up to release a new volume documenting global feline species and human coexistence efforts. Released on October sixth, the publication brings together one hundred seventy images and recounts notable encounters with wild and captive felines.
Decades of collaborative reporting
The authors have spent nearly four decades working as partners, producing investigative stories that led to tangible policy changes. Their previous coverage of captive tigers in the United States helped drive the passage of the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act, according to the report. Additionally, their investigations exposed a tiger-petting Buddhist monastery in Thailand, resulting in its closure.
Other reporting efforts have focused on fostering local economic benefits. Initiatives promoting ecotourism and livestock compensation have helped communities coexist with jaguars and snow leopards, creating financial incentives to protect the animals and their natural habitats.
Camera traps and urban wildlife
To capture elusive animals, the photographer relied heavily on remote camera traps deployed across challenging terrain, including high-altitude mountain ranges. Technological advancements, such as GPS tracking collars, have also provided precise data during human-wildlife conflicts, helping clarify animal movements and resolve disputes.
One of the most notable subjects in the book is a mountain lion known as P-22. An iconic photograph featuring the animal near the Hollywood sign boosted its fame and drew attention to fragmented urban habitats in Los Angeles. The image ultimately inspired the construction of a major wildlife overpass designed to reconnect protected areas for local wildlife.
Written from a first-person perspective, the publication combines field experiences with natural history research, highlighting the physical challenges of documenting elusive cats in remote regions and hazardous weather conditions.
