South African Cheetah Census Finds Only 83 Mature Adults

· Climate · South Africa

Researchers mapping almost 100,000 square kilometers, or nearly 40,000 square miles, of South Africa found only 83 mature adult cheetahs in the most comprehensive survey of the species ever conducted in the region, according to Mongabay. The project was called the Free-Roaming Cheetah Census. The low count applies to cheetahs inhabiting unprotected areas, where the animals face heightened risks. The survey's results underscore how few mature cheetahs remain outside protected zones in the country. Mongabay reported that the species is in trouble based on these findings.

Why it matters：Cheetahs are among the world's most threatened big cats, and a census showing so few mature adults outside protected areas signals that current conservation strategies may not be reaching free-roaming populations.

Key points

  • The Free-Roaming Cheetah Census mapped almost 100,000 square kilometers, or nearly 40,000 square miles, of South Africa.
  • Researchers found only 83 mature adult cheetahs.
  • It is described as the most comprehensive cheetah survey ever conducted in the region.

Sources (original reporting)

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