Fantastic Felines! Felidae - Big Cats and Members of the Family (Animal Science)

Occurring on five of the seven continents (not found natively in Antartica and Australia) and plenty within our own homes, the Family Felidae is widespread and biologically diverse with over 30 unique wild species and most definitely some domestic ones as well. Many of the larger species were once far more widespread within numerous continents such as Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, and Mountain Lion. The Felidae family has some of the most interesting and breathtaking animals within the mammals!

Felids or "Felines" are species such as leopard, tiger, caracal, and more. The majority of species are small-medium sized and actually highly carnivorous. Many of these animals have incredible adaptations and tracking abilities to aid in their pursuit of prey. Often times these animals are magnificently agile creatures such as the cheetah (fastest land animal) or mountain lions/ leopards capable of leaping tens of feet in a single bound. 
Carnivores like tigers, jaguars, lions, and leopards are known as keystone species. These animals are responsible for the lives of many other organisms, simply by the way they live their own. Many big cats and other felids are affected by our human impact and their populations are in need of our help and conservation. 

This is a lecture style, interactive class with plenty of time to ask questions. Each week within this course, we will have a lesson and slide prepared about a member of the Family Felidae. The natural history of the animal will be shared as well as other information about it’s biology, ecology, and conservation. 

*See 2024 sections below*
 *No class December 24, 31*

Topics: 
2025
April 15- Week 1: Bobcat or Red Lynx
April 22- Week 2: Canada Lynx
April 29- Week 3: Jaguar
May 6- Week 4: Jaguarundi
May 13- Week 5: Margay
May 20- Week 6: Mountain Lion
May 27- Week 7:  Ocelot
June 3- Week 8: Oncilla
June 10- Week 9: Cheetah
June 17-Week 10: African Golden Cat
June 24- Week 11: Caracal
July 1-Week 12:  Jungle Cat
July 8- Week 13: Sand Cat
July 15- Week 14:  Black-footed Cat
July 22-Week 15: European Wild cat
July 29-Week 16:  Pampas Cat
August 5-Week 17: Geoffroy's Cat
August 12-Week 18: Guiña/ Guigna/ KodKod
August 19- Week 19: Andean Cat
August 26-Week 20: Serval
September 2- Week 21: Eurasian Lynx
September 9- Week 22:  Iberian Lynx
September 16- Week 23: Clouded Leopard (Sunda and Mainland)
September 23- Week 24: Pallas's Cat
2025- continued above
January 7- Week 25: African and Asiatic Lion
January 14- Week 26: Leopard
January 21- Week 27: Tiger
January 28- Week 28: Snow Leopard
February 4- Week 29: Borneo Bay Cat
February 11- Week 30: Marbled Cat
February 18- Week 31: Asiatic Golden Cat
February 25- Week 32: Leopard Cat
March 4- Week 33: Flat-headed Cat
March 11- Week 34: Rusty-spotted Cat
March 18- Week 35: Fishing Cat
March 25- Week 36: African Wild Cat
April 1-Week 37:Domestic Cat
April 8-Week 38: Prehistoric Cats

No prior knowledge is needed in order to take this course. Feel free to jump in to whichever week as each is a new lesson!