Cheetahs hit 70 mph, hence it is named as the fastest animal in the world.
In this article, we will discuss the fastest animal: The Cheetah
About The Cheetah
Cheetahs hunt small antelopes, like Thomson’s gazelles and impalas.
They sprint, swipe, and suffocate prey.
Cheetahs eat quickly, wary of scavengers.
They differ from other cats, hunting during the day.
Cheetahs usually lead solitary lives, with occasional male-female encounters after mating. Females primarily raise cubs.
Cubs spend considerable time with their mothers, learning to hunt by chasing live antelope brought by their mom.
Regrettably, cub mortality rates are high, with 50-75% dying in the first three months due to disease and predators like eagles, hyenas, and lions.
Cheetahs are “vulnerable” per the IUCN. In 1900, there were 100,000 cheetahs across Africa; now, only about 7,500 adults remain, a 30% decline in the last 18 years.
Besides cub mortality, cheetahs confront human-wildlife conflicts and habitat loss.
Their habitat has shrunk significantly, now only 25% of its former size, mainly in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Cheetahs inhabit open plains where their prey thrives.
However, human population growth and expanding agriculture encroach on their habitat.
Another challenge is human-wildlife conflict as cheetahs resort to livestock hunting, causing retaliation killings by farmers.
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) addresses these issues.
They educate communities on sustainable farming, incentivize best practices, and build predator-proof livestock enclosures.
Compensation is offered for livestock losses, preventing revenge on cheetahs.
AWF also secures conservation land, like the Satao Elerai Lodge area and a wildlife corridor in Kenya.
Payment to landowners for wildlife-preserving acreage ensures traditional animal routes remain safe.
Collaboration with local communities ensures cheetahs’ preservation for future generations.
I hope you found this article helpful, find more of our captivating articles here
