The world’s fastest land animal is racing toward extinction. This isn’t the first time they’ve been vulnerable to population loss, but the threat to their survival is compounded by more factors this time. Due to low numbers, the gene pool for varying qualities that ensure survival is low. Inbreeding has led to poor genetic variability, including a rise in infertility and susceptibility to fatal diseases.

The lands they once called home are being encroached upon, pushing them out of territories conducive to their survival. They are unfortunate victims of poaching, which is the main source of their demise. Their fur is valuable on the black market and cheetah cubs are in demand as exotic pets in the Middle East.