Kate Vannelli is a conservation practitioner specializing in large carnivore conservation and human–wildlife coexistence, with over 15 years of experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. She currently leads WWF’s Living with Big Cats Initiative and serves as WWF’s African Lion Coordinator, supporting conservation of lions and other wild cat species across diverse landscapes. Her work integrates ecological monitoring, community-based conservation, social science, policy, and strategic partnerships to advance effective conservation of wild cats and the landscapes they depend upon. Kate has worked directly on lions, leopards, cheetahs, snow leopards, jaguars, and tigers, with field experience in Namibia, South Africa, and India. She has contributed to the IUCN Red List assessment process, national lion and leopard conservation strategies, and international technical guidance on coexistence and large carnivore conservation.