The Indianapolis Prize, renowned as the world’s leading award for animal conservation, has announced Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa as the recipient of the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award. This prestigious honor, awarded only twice thus far, recognizes conservationists under 40 who have made a remarkable impact on the preservation of animal species or groups. Mugerwa will receive a $50,000 prize.
Mugerwa, a Ugandan conservationist and researcher, is the founder and director of Embaka, a grassroots community-based organization dedicated to the conservation of the African golden cat. He established the first-ever community-driven anti-poaching project aimed at preserving the African golden cat within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Additionally, Mugerwa created the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance (AGCCA), a collaborative network of African nationals working on conservation efforts for the species across its range. He also holds leadership positions as president of the Society for Conservation Biology’s Africa Region and president-elect of the Society for Conservation Biology Global.
“Mwezi’s commitment to involving local communities in conservation is what truly sets him apart. It is an honor to present him with the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award,” said Dr. Rob Shumaker, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society.
Mugerwa’s work with the African golden cat began with research using camera traps, which led to the discovery of a mysterious black-and-white image of an unknown animal. At that time, the African golden cat was largely unknown—a secretive species confined to the forests of equatorial Africa. Through engaging with local communities, Mugerwa realized that the primary threat to the species, poaching, was tied to local people’s livelihoods, as the cats were often caught in bushmeat snares.
Since founding Embaka in 2015, Mugerwa has focused on involving the local community in conservation through four key programs, which provide services such as free dental care, livestock support, and financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to stop poaching. More than 2,225 community members have pledged to support the conservation of the African golden cat.
“Having a national park in your backyard isn’t a burden, it’s an opportunity. That’s the message we’ve been trying to convey about the African golden cat,” Mugerwa said. “When you’re in the communities and you understand their needs, like how they need money for dentist bills, you can offer solutions. The community holds the answers, but you have to engage with them to find them.”
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