South Africa’s free-roaming cheetahs in steep decline, first national census finds

The first national census of South Africa's free-roaming cheetahs reveals a worrying decline in their population, far lower than earlier estimates. Conducted over three and a half years, the study highlights significant threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. This data is crucial for informing conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of cheetahs outside protected areas, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect these iconic predators.