Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Survey finds only 83 mature cheetahs across a vast area of South Africa
Researchers surveyed nearly 100,000 square kilometers of South Africa and found just 83 mature cheetahs.
The project, called the Free-Roaming Cheetah Census, was the region’s most comprehensive survey of the animals.
Cheetahs in unprotected areas move across borders between South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Farms, construction, development and fences are making it harder for them to travel between areas.
Cheetahs need connected landscapes, and separation can limit breeding between groups and reduce genetic diversity.
Some farmers kill cheetahs because they believe the animals attack livestock, although the census found they mostly hunt wild prey.
Cheetahs are currently listed as vulnerable, but the findings suggest their status in South Africa should be changed to endangered.
A survey of nearly 100,000 square kilometers in South Africa found only 83 mature cheetahs.
Researchers called it the Free-Roaming Cheetah Census, the most comprehensive cheetah survey ever conducted in the region.
Cheetahs in the surveyed unprotected areas move across borders between South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Farming, construction, development and fences are making it harder for cheetahs to move between areas.
The census suggests cheetahs should be reclassified from vulnerable to endangered in South Africa.
- Who
- Researchers conducting the Free-Roaming Cheetah Census.
- What
- The survey found 83 mature cheetahs across nearly 100,000 square kilometers.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Unprotected areas of South Africa; the cheetahs range across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
- Why
- Farming, construction, development and fences are making it harder for cheetahs to move around, while some farmers kill them over concerns about livestock.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Mature cheetahs found
- 83
- Area surveyed
- Nearly 100,000 square kilometers
- Survey name
- Free-Roaming Cheetah Census
- Countries in cheetahs’ range
- South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe
- Current conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Suggested South African status
- Endangered
Sources
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