Principal Threats
The cheetahs of Iran and the Sahara exist in very low numbers, divided into widely
separated populations. Their low density makes them particularly vulnerable to
reduction of antelope prey through livestock overgrazing and hunting, coupled with
direct persecution (cheetahs prey on livestock, especially young camels: K. de
Smet pers. comm.). While protected areas comprise a key component of cheetah
range, management needs to be improved. For example, grazing of domestic stock is
reported to be particularly serious in Iran’s Khosh Yeilagh Reserve (Karami
1992), once known to hold an important resident cheetah population (Harrington
1977).
Cheetahs native to North Africa and South-West Asia are not known to be held in
captivity.
|
