Cheetah genetics

Cheetah - Acinonyx jubatus
Cheetah - Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is designed for speed and it is the fastest land mammal, reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h. Namibia has the largest cheetah population in the world with 90 % of this population living on livestock farmlands where human-wildlife conflict is a threat.

The cheetah is the most endangered of the big cats in Africa. Its endangerment is due to; habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation; human-wildlife conflict; and illegal wildlife trade.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund's (CCF) genetic laboratory is involved in studies on isolated cheetah populations, illegal trade issues, and health-related questions to do with inheritable and infectious diseases. The study of genetic diversity is important to a population’s ability to adapt and overcome environmental changes and unexpected disasters.

Learn more about CCF here.

communications@wwf.na
Find more news stories on these themes: