Once abundant throughout Africa and Asia, cheetahs have lost 90% of their habitat. Learn about the race to recover them.
They may be fast — but cheetahs can’t run away from the threats leading them towards extinction. For BIG CAT MONTH, we’re putting the spotlight on ENDANGERED cats that need extra conservation attention. Pay close attention to this one — the cheetah moves fast.
Cheetah Traits
- Cheetahs are the fastest animal in the world — reaching speeds of 65 mph (104 km/h).
- Their bodies are built for speed; with unique long legs that can run 20-22 feet (6-6.7 meters).
- Cheetahs are easily identifiable by their round spots.
- Cheetah cubs are known for their humorous fur — which stands straight up like a horse’s mane.
- The most unusual fact about cheetahs? They can’t roar. Rather, they purr — just like a house cat.
Outrunning Extinction? Not anymore.
- There are five types of cheetah: Asiatic cheetah, Northwest African cheetah, South African cheetah, Sudan cheetah, Tanzanian cheetah.
- Each cheetah can be identified based on the color of their coat, body size and the color of their fur.
- Asiatic cheetahs are the smallest cheetah sub-species — and the rarest in the world. They no longer exist throughout Asia, and can only be found in Iran. There are only 12 living in the wild today.
A Conservation Struggle
South African cheetahs are the most abundant, with a population of nearly 7,000. A conservation program planned to relocate at least 12 South African cheetahs a year to India. Conservationists had hoped that this program would help bring back the cheetah through a process of translocation to their original numbers. But the program has faced devastating losses. In September 2023, it was reported that 9 out of 20 cheetahs introduced in 2023 died.
Help is needed — fast — if we want a future that includes cheetahs. Restore the roar — donate with VAKOVAKO.
