Racing against extinction: The fight to save the Asiatic Cheetah

Adapted from an article by James Fair for BBC Wildlife Magazine July 2024 

The Asiatic cheetah, once roaming from Israel to India, now faces a precarious future. Recent research paints a stark picture of this magnificent creature’s struggle for survival, but a glimmer of hope emerges as conservationists regain their freedom to continue vital work.

A 2021-2023 survey revealed only 26 individual Asiatic cheetahs remaining, confined to a small area in Iran. Hamed Abolghasemi, a researcher involved in the Touran Biosphere Reserve study, suggests the species may already be extinct in southern Iran due to lack of observed reproduction.

Key threats include:

• The alarming depletion of wild prey, particularly gazelles
• Direct human-induced mortality, including the rising toll of road and car accidents
• The relentless encroachment and degradation of their natural habitats

As we delve into this critical conservation story, we explore the last stronghold of a species on the edge and the tireless efforts to pull it back from the precipice of extinction.

A turn of events

In a positive development, eight conservation scientists, previously imprisoned in Iran on contested charges, have been released. This includes Morad Tahbaz, co-founder of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation (PWHF), whose release was part of a diplomatic agreement between Iran and the USA.

Looking ahead

Despite the dire circumstances, Abolghasemi maintains hope. He credits the cheetah’s persistence to “the vast habitats where it lives and some crucial conservation actions that have been taken in the past.”

At the Cheetah Conservation Fund, we stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Iran and around the world who work tirelessly to protect this critically endangered species. The release of these dedicated scientists renews our hope and determination.

We believe that with continued effort, international cooperation, and public support, we can turn the tide for the Asiatic cheetah. Every individual matters in this race against extinction.

We extend our gratitude to James Fair for bringing attention to this critical issue through his original article.