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Cheetah Cub Trafficking Puts Species on Brink of Extinction
20 Mar
Summary
- Cheetah cubs smuggled from Horn of Africa for $15,000-$20,000 each.
- Four to five cubs die en route for every one that reaches its destination.
- The species faces virtual extinction due to illegal pet trade.
The illegal trade of cheetah cubs from the Horn of Africa is pushing the species towards virtual extinction. Approximately 300 cubs are smuggled annually, mostly to be sold as exotic pets in the Middle East for prices ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. Tragically, for every cub that survives the journey, four or five die en route due to harsh conditions and neglect.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Somaliland currently shelters 127 cheetahs, many of whom were rescued from smuggling operations. These rescued cubs often arrive in critical condition, highlighting the cruelty of the trade. Despite laws in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia criminalizing the possession and trade of dangerous animals, trafficking persists, with some cheetahs appearing on social media.
Experts warn that the lifespan of cheetahs reaching the Middle East is only one to two years due to improper care, malnutrition, and disease. The CCF is working on a rewilding area to prepare younger cheetahs for potential return to the wild, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis. Somaliland authorities are actively combating this trade, recognizing its disastrous implications for cheetah populations.
