Elyse Slaine shines light on the Saharan Cheetah's critical status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
new york city, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) December 26, 2010 -- "Its appearance, and how the Saharan cheetah is genetically related to other cheetahs is open to question. What they know about this species comes from the few photos they've managed to capture," said Elyse Slaine.

The animal is so rare and elusive scientists aren't sure how many even exist, though they estimate from the few observations they've made of the animal and tracks that fewer than 10 individuals call the vast desert of Termit and Tin Toumma in Niger home. Fewer than 200 cheetahs probably exist in the entire Sahara.

Losing this cheetah would also mean losing important genetic and biological diversity, as these animals have adaptations for survival in extreme desert conditions.

Their home can reach sizzling temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and is so parched no standing water exists. They probably satisfy their water requirements through the moisture in their prey, and on having extremely effective physiological and behavioral adaptations.

In an effort to conserve water and stay out of the heat, the Saharan cheetah is even more nocturnal than other cheetahs.

Spotting these cats in the wild has been a challenge. They are incredibly shy and elusive animals. In addition, they likely have broad home ranges since their prey - gazelles, hares, large birds and smaller rodents - are relatively scarce. Observations that have been made suggest they prefer caves and rock shelters as breeding dens.

Among the threats to the pale cat are scarcity of prey due to poaching and overuse, and conflicts with herders over stock harassment and killing of their animals, according to SCF. Apparently cheetah skins are prized as prayer rugs or used to make slippers.

They are suspected of taking goats and even baby camels, and as a result are persecuted just like most other large predators. Work underway with local nomads is putting together the true picture of livestock predation in an attempt to reduce the arbitrary slaughter of carnivores that has massively reduced populations of cheetah and striped hyenas.

The more we know about the animal the better we can conserve it, including pinpointing key areas for extra protection. The cheetah's presence adds weight to arguments for the entire zone's protection as a nature reserve and strengthens our ability to raise support for conservation activities.

For more info:
http://www.elyseslaine.org

animal extinction     animal welfare     Elyse Slaine