Why Are Cheetahs Endangered?

 Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable but are likely to move into the Endangered classification very soon.

There are six classifications. Each has different criteria such as population size, geographic range and extinction possibility

The classifications are:

Least concern, which means the species are still abundant

Vulnerable: this means there is a big population decline in the wild and the possibility of extinction within the next 50 years

Endangered: the population decline is over 50%, their habitat is shrinking and they are losing numbers due to different threats, Such as poaching, lack of space, killed by humans

Critically endangered: A population decline of over 80%. A very reduced population that might not be sustainable for breeding and the possibility of extinction in 10 years

Extinct in Wild: Species only left in captivity

Extinct: None of the species surviving

Cheetahs are endangered as the last census estimated only 7,500 animals left in only 10% of their previous geographical range. This is due to loss of habitat due to the increase of farmlands taking over their areas. New roads, new towns, new industry. With the loss of habitat means loss of prey species. So sometimes the cheetahs will take farm livestock, such as sheep, goats or young cattle.

This makes them enemies of many farmers who will shoot them on site. Even although the cheetah may only be passing through these lands. Cheetahs have large home ranges, over 500 to 1500 square kilometers and travel long distances. But as they are diurnal and travel during the morning and evening, farmers are more likely to see the cheetahs. The uninformed farmer will shoot them immediately as a pre-emptive measure.

One method informed farmers are using to protect their livestock is by using guard dogs such as Anatolian Shepherd dogs. These dogs remain with their flock and protect them from attacks by predators. The cheetah then has to revert back to wild prey. But with the decline in these numbers the cheetah sits with a predicament.

Poaching is a small problem but still a problem. The cheetah is killed for its skin. Although protected and the skins not allowed into many countries these skins are still sold on the black market.