Cheetahs are one of the most iconic animals in the world, but, they are also one of the most endangered animals in the world today.
There are two species of Cheetah: the Asiatic Cheetah and the African Cheetah. Combined, Cheetahs are classed as a 'vulnerable' species, which means that these beautiful animals are vulnerable to extinction. However, the Asiatic Cheetah is a lot more vulnerable to extinction, as Asiatic Cheetah's are critically endangered today. The population of Asiatic Cheetah's is so low that there are now only 50 individual animals remaining today.
This means that Asiatic Cheetah's are one of the rarest animals in the world today and it also means that they are very near extinction.
African Cheetah's have a much healthier population than the Asiatic Cheetah, however, African Cheetah's are still vulnerable to extinction. They are classed as being 'vulnerable' to extinction by the IUCN. Today it is estimated that there are only 6,647 Cheetah's left in the wild in Africa.
The population of the Africa Cheetah is also decreasing.
What Is The Habitat Of Cheetahs?
Cheetah's can be found in various habitats across the continent of Africa. Cheetah's are found in: grasslands, savanas, desert and shrubland.
What Are The Main Threats To Cheetah's?
One of the main threats to Cheetah's today is the illegal pet trade in Cheetah's. Cheetah's are sold as pets in the Middle East. Cheetah cubs are stolen from the wild in Africa and then they are sold off as pets in the Middle East, this is something which threatens the existence of Cheetah's in the wild today. Cheetah's being sold off as pets is one of the major causes of their decline today and is something that could see Cheetah's go extinct in the wild.
There are several other threats to Cheetah's, such as the destruction of their habitat. The destruction of the Cheetah's habitat in Africa happens for various reasons, this includes their habitat being destroyed for roads.
Cheetah's have already been wiped out in most of their historic range: Cheetah's have been wiped out now in 90% of their historic range across Africa. And, they have been all but wiped out in Asia apart from the very small population that exists within Iran today. Due to these big cats already losing most of their habitat already and with them being vulnerable they are at risk of extinction in the future if nothing is done to protect them.
How Can You Help Save Cheetahs?
There are several ways that you can help save Cheetahs.
You can help save Cheetahs by donating to the Cheetah Conservation Fund UK - you can donate to the Cheetah Conservation Fund UK here!
Or you can donate to the Cheetah Conservation Fund - here!
And finally, you can help by adopting a Cheetah with the WWF here!
Or adopt a Cheetah with Born Free here!