The cheetah, a feline recognized for its remarkable speed, stands as the fastest land mammal on Earth. Capable of reaching speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour, its unique physical adaptations, such as a flexible spine and non-retractable claws, allow for explosive acceleration and agility. This iconic big cat, however, faces significant threats to its existence, leading to its classification as an endangered species.
Current Status of Cheetah Populations
The global population of cheetahs has experienced a severe decline over the past century. At the beginning of the 20th century, estimates indicated around 100,000 cheetahs roamed across Africa and Asia. Today, the total number of mature individuals is estimated to be between 6,500 and 7,500 worldwide.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the cheetah as “Vulnerable,” indicating a high risk of extinction in the wild. Some subspecies, like the Asiatic cheetah found in Iran, are more critically endangered, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining. Cheetahs now inhabit only about 9% to 10% of their historic range, primarily concentrated in fragmented populations across southern and eastern Africa.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Human population growth and land use changes are significant drivers of habitat loss for cheetahs. The conversion of natural landscapes for agricultural expansion, urban development, and infrastructure projects directly reduces space for these wide-ranging carnivores. Cheetahs require extensive territories to hunt and breed successfully due to their lower population density and large home ranges.
This reduction in suitable habitat fragments their populations, isolating groups and hindering genetic exchange. A substantial portion (76% to 90%) of the remaining wild cheetah population lives outside formally protected areas, making them particularly susceptible to human-induced landscape changes. Climate change further compounds these challenges, with environmental shifts like prolonged droughts impacting prey availability and rendering some areas uninhabitable.
Human-Wildlife Conflict and Illegal Trade
Human-caused pressures, such as human-wildlife conflict and illegal trade, threaten cheetah numbers. Cheetahs often come into conflict with farmers when natural prey becomes scarce, leading them to prey on livestock. This results in retaliatory killings by farmers seeking to protect their livelihoods, which has significantly impacted cheetah populations in regions like Namibia.
The illegal wildlife trade is another serious threat to cheetah survival. Poaching for their distinctive skins and body parts drives their decline, with these items sometimes sold for trophies, fashion, or in traditional medicine markets. Particularly concerning is the illicit trade of live cheetah cubs, primarily from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, sought after for the exotic pet market. Many of these cubs suffer high mortality rates during capture and transport, and demand is often fueled through social media platforms.
Genetic Vulnerabilities
The cheetah’s precarious status is also due to its remarkably low genetic diversity. Studies show that modern cheetah populations have undergone at least two significant genetic bottlenecks in their history. One occurred approximately 100,000 years ago, and a more recent and severe event occurred around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the last Ice Age.
These bottlenecks significantly reduced the cheetah gene pool, leading to inbred populations. This limited genetic variation makes cheetahs more susceptible to diseases, as their immune systems lack the diversity to combat pathogens. It also contributes to reduced fertility rates and diminishes their overall ability to adapt to environmental changes or new threats.