Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List status · Population decreasing as of 2023 · Est. 7,100 individuals
About the Cheetah
The world's fastest land animal, the cheetah has lost 91% of its historic range. Habitat loss, conflict with farmers, and illegal wildlife trade threaten their survival across Africa.
Region
East Africa
Population
7,100
Trend
Data Year
2023
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
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Quick Stats