Cheetahs are one of the best known wildcats, used both as product mascots as well as finding the printed pattern of their fur in clothing and upholstery design. Most everyone knows they are the fastest land animal, attaining a top speed of 70mph for short bursts when needed to hunt prey. But how many people know that they are under the threat of extinction? They are listed as endangered by CITES, The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CITES is an international agreement between nations belonging to the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not
threaten their survival.
The cheetah is under threat due to dwindling space as farmers and herders spread into their hunting grounds, fencing tracts that used to allow them free reign. Cheetah used to be found throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Asia. Humans have encroached on their territory to the point where they now live in only Sub-Saharan Africa (South of the Saharan Desert), Namibia, which is home to the largest population of about 10,000, and also Kenya and Tanzania. There is a very small population living in Iran. This population in Iran is so isolated that scientists believe they do not have the genetic diversity to continue to grow a healthy population in this region.
How Can You Help?
Many of us are aware of the problem facing cheetah and other large predators, but are unsure about how to help. The solution is really twofold: humans must provide dedicated space for these animals, and must also consider controlling their own population numbers. The human population explosion within the last 150 years has put tremendous pressure on wildlife as we compete for finite resources.
There are many ways to help, some as small as purchasing a Love The Planet Cheetah T-shirt from online or your local zoo. Some companies who make these shirts are kind enough to put a percentage of each t-shirt sold towards organizations who dedicate their time to save these beautiful animals and conserving their natural habitats. Even just wearing a save the cheetah t shirt while walking down the street will create awareness and could even encourage someone to go out to these places and become part of the effort to keep these animals alive. Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (1990), did just that. She recognized that these animals needed an action plan to avoid extinction, so she moved to Namibia to save them and to educate the world about the cheetah. Her organization is considered to be the leading world expert on the species.
Saving the Cheetah: Part of a Delicate Ecosystem
Cheetah –and all wildlife- are part of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia, each animal suited to its habitat and existing in a chain of life that is interdependent. Whether or not you appreciate or value these creatures, or choose to ignore their existence, they are important to mankind’s survival on a planet that depends upon biodiversity. The variety and beauty of life on earth is truly stunning. Let us not waste it in our quest for growth. Let us instead live thoughtfully and lightly on this planet we share with all creatures. We can celebrate them by writing about them, talking about them, and wearing their images on our clothing. Support those who are working to save the cheetah, purchase a cheetah t shirt today.
