CONSTITUENCY FOR THE BORDERCATS WORKING GROUP
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The BWG will use information about the current threats to bordercats and their habitat to develop effective education programs for bordercat conservation. We will work with local schools, state agencies, and grassroots organizations to educate people about the importance of bordercats and to influence public attitudes in order to ensure long-term protection for the cats. Articles willThe BWG will use information about the current threats to bordercats and their habitat to develop effective education programs for bordercat conservation. We will work with local schools, state agencies, and grassroots organizations to educate people about the importance of bordercats and to influence public attitudes in order to ensure long-term protection for the cats. Articles will also be written for local and national publications and local people will be encouraged to become involved with E-mail networks and letter writing campaigns involving bordercats. In order to develop an effective education and outreach program, BWG will need to plan a two-day strategy session associated with message development for neotropical cat conservation. This workshop will bring 15-20 people together from non-profit, academic, and governmental organizations from both sides of the border. A workshop of this kind will be the first step towards integrating neotropical cats into ongoing regional conservation strategies in border areas, so that these species will be considered when putting forth future policies and programs. In Arizona and New Mexico, we will use the expertise of individuals like
Craig Miller to organize education efforts with local communities. As a
member of the Jaguar Conservation Team and a Defenders of Wildlife field
organizer for wolf recovery in the Southwest, Craig is quite familiar with
the local communities and state organizations in this region. Many of the
threats which affect wolf recovery will be mirrored by bordercats. Because of
this, Craig has a well established network of activist and educators that
will promote bordercat recovery in this region. In Texas, we will rely on the expertise of individuals like assistance. This Center works closely with border communities on legal issues related to the environment and human rights. In Mexico, Rurik List is our primary liaison. Rurik has established a network of scientists and environmentalists throughout eastern and western Mexico. One project that BWG intends to undertake is developing a comic book for children which informs them about the importance of bordercats in ecosystems and what they can do to help protect the cats.
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