International Cheetah Day: Conservation and Key Facts
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | International Cheetah Day observed on December 4 |
| Date | December 4 |
| Established by | Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) |
| Historical Significance | Cheetahs revered in ancient Egyptian art and used as royal hunting companions in the Mughal Empire |
| Cheetah Population | Fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild |
| Main Threats to Cheetahs | 1. Habitat loss (due to agriculture and urbanization) 2. Human-wildlife conflict (farmers killing cheetahs to protect livestock) 3. Illegal wildlife trade (cheetah cubs trafficked as exotic pets) 4. Climate change and road collisions |
| Conservation Efforts | - Habitat restoration - Breeding programs - Anti-poaching efforts - Community education to reduce human-wildlife conflict |
| Key Facts About Cheetahs | - Fastest land mammals, reaching speeds up to 70 mph - Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds - Excellent vision, spotting prey from up to 3 miles - Social structure: males form coalitions, females are solitary - Unique vocalizations: chirps, purrs, and high-pitched meows |