Omaha zoo scientist works to save the black-footed cat, one of the world's smallest felines

An Omaha zoo scientist is among a dozen or so in the world striving to protect one of Earth’s smallest cats.

You won’t find these scrappy, 4-pound kitties emblazoning conservation posters, like an elephant or a lion. You won’t even see them on display — the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium moved the species from its home near Red Barn Park to an off-exhibit space in the Desert Dome years ago.

Only about 45 of these cats are in American zoos, and only 15 females are considered quality candidates for breeding. The captive population has suffered from a high incidence of kidney disease, and the wild population is declining, now classified as “vulnerable,” one step closer to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “endangered” designation.

In the fight against extinction, the black-footed cat goes relatively unnoticed. But Dr. Jason Herrick, the first-year director of reproductive sciences at the zoo, is looking out for these little creatures.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/living/zoo/omaha-zoo-scientist-works-to-save-the-black-footed-cat/article_7d70f0ad-71c5-573a-9d8b-e73ecc7ec174.html