Alan Rabinowitz — American zoologist and wild‑cat conservationist

Research focus and methods

Rabinowitz’s work blended field biology, advocacy and policy. He conducted camera‑trap surveys, radio‑telemetry studies and ecological assessments, and used these data to promote protected areas and wildlife corridors. He was described by some popular outlets as an "Indiana Jones of wildlife protection" and was profiled in publications such as Time.

Species studied

• Jaguars
• Clouded leopards and Asiatic leopards
• Tigers
• Sumatran rhinos and other threatened ungulates
• Bears, leopard cats, raccoons and civets

His studies were notable for their geographical breadth: he worked in the Americas and across Asia, and he emphasized landscape‑level solutions rather than isolated reserves. By linking scientific findings to conservation action, he helped shape strategies for protecting large carnivores and their habitats.

Impact and recognition

Rabinowitz is credited with advancing public and institutional support for large‑scale conservation initiatives. His efforts influenced the creation or strengthening of protected areas and wildlife corridors and encouraged cooperation between scientists, local stakeholders and policy makers. He received recognition in both scientific and popular forums for combining rigorous research with on‑the‑ground conservation.

Alan Rabinowitz died of leukemia on August 5, 2018, in Manhattan, aged 64. His work remains a reference for contemporary conservation biology and for practitioners seeking to translate field science into lasting protection for threatened species. For further reading see profiles and conservation summaries linked in major outlets and organizational pages.

Selected profiles and resources: major magazine profile, organizational pages at Panthera and partner institutions (species pages and field reports).