This issue report discusses how biologists are trying to solve the problem of numbers of Acinonyx jubatus decreasing due to fragmentation from los...

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The problem:
The Acinonyx jubatus is on the ICUN Red list of threatened species: red lists are produced by countries which then asses the risk of extinction of the species. The current known Acinonyx jubatus population is roughly 7,500, however areas where Acinonyx jubatus status is unknown may increase the number to just over 10,000. The estimate of 15,000 cheetahs in Africa in the 1970’s, a decrease of 30% is estimated over the past 18 years. This reduction is mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation as well as killing and capturing them in suspicion of being predators of livestock. [1]

The vast majority of cheetahs live in small, isolated groups outside protected game reserves where they are often in conflict with humans and livestock, and most populations continue to decline. The largest wild population of cheetahs is found in Namibia. In the 1980s their numbers were reduced by half to less than 2500. Lack of genetic variation, reproduction abnormalities, high infant mortality, and a great susceptibility to disease place the species at a further risk of extinction. Genetic variation allows species to adapt better to environmental and ecological changes and to fight off diseases. [2]

As a species, they are genetically identical, with only 2% genetic variation compared with 10% or more in other cats. The potential for a virus to wipe out large numbers is high because of the lack of variation in disease resistance. Habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with people and depletion of their prey species are the most serious threats to the survival of the Acinonyx jubatus in Africa. [4]
The solution:
This species is listed on Appendix I of CITES and is protected under national legislation. [4] Acinonyx jubatus are ...

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...population was wild-caught. [1]
Youth education and understanding are paramount to helping the Acinonyx jubatus win its race for survival. The ultimate success of the Cheetah Conservation Fund's education program depends on humans. By supporting the work of conservationists you become part of an international effort to save this endangered species. Work can be done to conserve world's rich biological diversity. CCF's Education and Outreach staff take the message "We Can Live Together" to schools and communities throughout Namibia. In addition, our Research and Education Centre has what has been called the best, most comprehensive cheetah educational museum in the world, so that the many daily visitors to CCF's headquarters can go on a self-guided educational exploration of the cheetah's history, range, biology, characteristics, conservation status and issues. [7]

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