From Hunting to Illegal Trade, Protecting the Cheetah Today

September 15, 2014 admin Africa's endangered animals, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo london, tunde folawiyo oil

Just last month, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora launched a study to analyse data on the cheetah trade. The species faces many threats today, including threats to its habitat and poaching, but the illegal pet trade is also on the rise. The CITES is compiling a report based on data collected by the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Dr Laurie Marker, who heads the fund, is one of the world’s leading experts on cheetah. Marker says that the cheetah trade endangers captive and wild animals alike.

The cheetah, famous for its spotted fur and incredible running speed, is native to Africa as well as parts of the Middle East. No other land animal can run at faster speeds. A sprinting cheetah can reach speeds of up to 120km/h. Unlike other large wild cats, cheetahs are particularly vulnerable to extinction because they do not adapt well to captivity, and conservationists have not often succeeded in breeding captive cheetahs. While poaching cheetahs for their famous spotted fur was once a large threat, habitat destruction and illegal trade of live cheetahs are now the larger issues threatening their survival.

The world cheetah population one hundred years ago was likely around 100,000, but current estimates of the animal’s numbers are at less than 15,000.  Even in areas already designated as wildlife reserves, cheetahs are hunted by their natural predators, lions and hyenas. Despite its speed, the cheetah can be hunted by other animals because of its delicate bone structure. The animals have small jaws with less strong bites than other large predators. Efforts to save the dwindling numbers of cheetahs, however, have already proven somewhat effective. In Namibia, where large populations of wild cheetahs have currently stabilized, conservation officials have trained farmers to use nonlethal means to discourage cheetahs from hunting their livestock. Anti-poaching legislation and increased enforcement have also been helpful in supporting cheetah populations in Namibia and elsewhere. But more effective measures may be needed. The combination of natural and made-made threats to cheetah populations and habitats must be addressed quickly, to keep these beautiful animals thriving in the wild.

Citizens of African nations and countries around the globe are working toward the preservation of the continent’s many iconic and threatened species, including Tunde Folawiyo. Those interested should see the following Tunde Folawiyo online news.

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