Why the African Golden Cat Is One of Africa’s Rarest Species

In this episode of Worth Your Time, Dr. Rob Shumaker speaks with Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award winner. Mugerwa shares his journey from growing up in Kampala, Uganda, to dedicating 15 years to studying and protecting the elusive African golden cat. The conversation explores his path into conservation, life and fieldwork in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the patience and perseverance required to protect one of Africa’s least understood animals.