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Cheetah Sperm Bank: A Frozen Hope for Extinction?
4 Dec
Summary
- A sperm bank in Namibia holds frozen cheetah sperm for potential future use.
- Cheetah populations have dropped by 80% in 50 years, with only 7,000 left.
- This 'frozen zoo' is a last resort, mirroring efforts for northern white rhinos.
In Namibia, a pioneering sperm bank, established in 1990 by zoologist Laurie Marker, acts as a crucial 'frozen zoo' for cheetahs. This initiative aims to preserve genetic material, offering a potential lifeline should the species face extinction.
The world's fastest land animal is in dire straits, with numbers dwindling by 80% over the past half-century. Currently, fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain scattered across Africa, with most populations critically small. Habitat loss, human conflict, and illegal trade exacerbate their plight, leading to shrinking gene pools and reproductive challenges.
This conservation strategy is a last resort, comparable to the desperate efforts to save the northern white rhino. While not ideal, the sperm bank represents a vital backup, especially given cheetahs' low reproductive success in captivity and genetic diversity issues, offering a chance for future recovery.
