![]() ![]() It is more widespread in eastern and southern Africa, particularly in the large national parks where it can enjoy greater protection. The cheetah is also in danger of extinction in West African countries. ![]() In Africa, the Sahara cheetah, which is a small, light-coloured subspecies, has difficulty surviving in Niger, northern Mali and southern Algeria. The last cheetahs in India, where it was once widespread, were killed by a Maharajah in the mid-twentieth century. The Asian cheetah has almost disappeared from the continent except for a few specimens which survive with difficulty in Iran. It was also widespread throughout the Middle East as far as India. The cheetah was formerly widespread in all Africa except for the rainforests of the Congo Basin. Indeed, the cheetah is often the victim of kleptoparasitism committed by other large African predators who also do not hesitate to attack cubs and even adults. The cheetah is also particularly sensitive to interspecific competition. There is indeed a serious risk of extinction of the species due to a genetic bottleneck because of a low genetic diversity pool. Apart from the classic anthropogenic threats that most animals face such as habitat destruction, poaching and human-animal conflict, the cheetah is also under ecological pressure. Interested in learning more about the bioregions of Central Eurasia? Use One Earth's interactive Navigator to explore bioregions around the world.Known as the world's fastest land mammal, the cheetah is also one of Africa's most threatened carnivores. Environmental activists and scientists alike are optimistic the Asiatic cheetah will rule the Persian desert again. ![]() Although it is a gradual increase, it is nonetheless a successful conservation story in the making. Estimates show that there are currently between 70-110 individuals in the wild. Most Asiatic cheetahs now live in five protected areas, viz Kavir National Park, Touran National Park, Bafq Protected Area, Dar-e Anjir Wildlife Refuge, and Naybandan Wildlife Reserve. The project includes safeguarding territories, constructing wildlife crossings to reduce the number of deaths in traffic accidents, and working with local communities to raise awareness on the importance of the species. Partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society and the United Nations Development Program, Iran’s Department of the Environment (DOE) created a comprehensive protection program. The low population report caused a conservation wake-up call for many Iranians as the Asiatic cheetah is a cultural symbol of power and strength. A mere 50 individuals were thought to be alive in the wild in December 2017. Since breeding success depends on prey availability, Asiatic cheetahs have been caught in a negative feedback loop of diminishing populations. They’ve been nearly driven to extinction by poaching, habitat degradation, and scarcity of food due to overhunting. Once, the Asiatic cheetah roamed the entire Arabian Peninsula, across the Middle East, and into India. Each of these species are vigorous grazers, and the cheetahs aid in balancing their populations, so the minimal vegetation that grows in the desert isn’t completely wiped out. Their diet consists of medium-sized herbivores such as Indian gazelles, Cape hares, and wild sheep and goats. Like their African cousins, Asiatic cheetahs can reach sprinting speeds of up to 128 kilometers per hour (80 mph) to catch their prey. Many believe that they could be faster than the African species with longer legs, but no tests have confirmed this theory.Īn adult Asiatic cheetah grows to about 1.3 meters (4.4 ft) in length and can weigh up to 54 kilograms (119 lb.). Compared to African cheetahs, the Asiatic cheetah is smaller but has a thicker coat, a more powerful neck, and slender legs. Research from a five-year genetics study found that Asiatic cheetahs split from the African cheetah between 32,000 and 67,000 years ago. The apex predator of this ecosystem is also the most surprising - the Asiatic cheetah.Īsiatic cheetahs are the Iconic Species species of the Persian Deserts & Mountain Woodlands Bioregion ( PA29). Yet, despite this arid and parched climate, biodiversity prospers. Temperatures here can reach 70℃ (158℉) and make the rugged rock formations scattered throughout this landscape shimmer in the distance. One Earth’s “Species of the Week” series highlights an iconic species that represents the unique biogeography of each of the 185 bioregions of the Earth.īeneath the scorching sun, dunes of golden sand sway in the Iranian desert. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |