Cheetahs face severe population decline driven partly by retaliatory killing from farmers who lose livestock, making coexistence programs a critical welfare and conservation priority across their African range.
Cheetahs killed in retaliatory persecution die by shooting, trapping, or poisoning, with variable speed and severity of death. Cubs orphaned by the death of their mother face starvation without human intervention as they depend on maternal care for up to 18 months. Snares set for other species catch cheetahs indiscriminately, causing injuries that may be fatal without veterinary treatment. The structural driver of persecution — economic loss from livestock predation — can be addressed through guardian dog programs and livestock management improvements that reduce cheetah motivation to attack domestic animals. Sanctuary care for orphaned and injured cheetahs provides welfare for current victims while conservation work addresses the drivers of persecution.