Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable, but are likely to move to Endangered very soon.

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

The classifications are:

least concernwhich means that the species are still abundant

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

In danger: the population is declining by more than 50%, their habitat is shrinking and they are losing numbers due to different threats such as poaching, lack of space, death at the hands of humans

critically endangered: A population decline of more than 80%. A very small population that may not be sustainable for reproduction and the possibility of extinction in 10 years.

extinct in the wild: Species that only remain in captivity

Extinct: Neither species survives

Cheetahs are in danger of extinction as the last census estimated that there are only 7,500 animals left in just 10% of their former geographic range. This is due to habitat loss due to increased farmland occupying their areas. New roads, new towns, new industries. With habitat loss means loss of prey species. So sometimes cheetahs will take farm livestock such as sheep, goats, or young cattle.

This makes them enemies of many farmers who will shoot them on the spot. Although the cheetah can only be passing through these lands. Cheetahs have large home ranges, more than 500 to 1,500 square kilometers, and travel long distances. But since they are diurnal and travel during the morning and evening, they are more likely to be seen by farmers. The uninformed farmer will immediately shoot them as a preventive measure.

One method that informed farmers are using to protect their livestock is the use of guard dogs such as Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. These dogs stay with their flock and protect them from predator attacks. The cheetah then has to go back to being wild prey. But with these numbers dwindling, the cheetah is in a tough spot.

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

Cheetahs do not do well in protected areas as they can become prey to lions and hyenas. These two species will either kill young animals that are unable to travel with their mother or take prey killed by cheetahs. Sometimes killing the adult cheetah. Therefore, cheetahs are very likely to use unprotected areas and come into contact with farmers. A cruel cycle.

1900 Estimated range and number: 100,000

2017 Rank and Numbers: 7,500

Possible extinction by 2027?

Are we too late to save an animal that has taken 4 million years to reach its current form? We can blame its decline on many things, but man is ultimately the problem and the solution.