Cheetahs are categorized as Vulnerable but are likely to move into the Endangered classification.
Each has different criteria such as extinction possibility, geographical range and population size
The classifications are: animal in attic
Vulnerable: this means there is a large population decline in the wild and the possibility of extinction over the next 50 years
Endangered: the population decline is over 50%, their habitat is shrinking and they are dropping numbers due to different threats, Such as poaching, lack of space, killed by humans
Critically endangered: A population decline of over 80%. A population that might not be sustainable for the possibility of extinction in Ten Years as well as breeding
Extinct: None of the species living
Cheetahs are endangered since the last census estimated in just 10 percent of their previous range. This is a result of lack of habitat due to the rise of farmlands. New roads, new industry, new towns. With the loss of habitat means loss of prey species. So sometimes the cheetahs will take farm livestock, such as goats, sheep or cattle that are young.
This makes them enemies of many farmers that will take them. Although the cheetah may only be passing through these lands. Cheetahs have large home ranges, over 500 to 1500 kilometers and travel long distances. But as they are diurnal and traveling during the morning and evening, farmers are inclined to see the cheetahs. The uninformed farmer will take at them as a pre-emptive step.
One method informed farmers are currently using to protect their livestock is by using guard dogs like Anatolian Shepherd dogs. These dogs stay with their flock and protect them from attacks. The cheetah then must revert back to prey. But with the decline in these numbers the cheetah sits with a predicament.
Poaching is a problem but still a problem. Although protected and the skins not allowed into many countries these skins are sold on the market.
As they may become prey to Lions and Hyenas cheetahs do not succeed in areas. These two species will kill animals unable to travel with their mother or take the victim murdered by cheetahs. Killing the adult cheetah. Thus the cheetahs use that is more than likely unprotected places and coming into contact with farmers. A cycle.
1900 Estimate Range and Number: 100,000
2017 Range and Numbers: 7,500
Potential Extinction by 2027?
Are we too late to save an animal that has taken to achieve its present form. Its decrease can be blamed by us but man is ultimately the problem and the solution.