Global Wildlife

Cheetah Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes

Cheetahs have lost 90% of their historical range and face conflicts with livestock farmers outside protected areas, where over 75% of remaining cheetahs now live.

Key Facts

Wild cheetah population around 7,000, the lowest of the big cats
Over 75% live outside protected areas, in conflict with farming communities
Cheetahs kill livestock, leading to retaliatory killing by farmers
Cubs are illegally taken for the exotic pet trade, particularly in the Gulf states
Fastest land animal but least aggressive of the big cats

Welfare Considerations

Cheetah welfare involves suffering from snare injuries, retaliatory killing, and the extreme suffering of individuals taken for the illegal pet trade. Cubs removed for pets typically die young. Livestock guarding dogs reduce depredation and farmer retaliation effectively.

What You Can Do

Support Cheetah Conservation Fund livestock guarding dog programmes
Never purchase or encourage the keeping of cheetahs as pets
Advocate for end-market campaigns against exotic cat ownership in Gulf states