According to the Red Data book, the cheetah is currently listed as “vulnerable” in South Africa. This is an improved situation, compared to the global listing of the species as endangered in 1973.
Estimates of cheetah population numbers are never accurate as the animal occurs in low densities in nature and is not easily seen in the wild. The worldwide total population is estimated to be 7000-12000 animals. South Africa’s total is approximately 1500. Of these 250-300 are found in nature reserves; 600 as free ranging wild animals; and 550 are in captivity.
Cheetah populations are genetically very uniform or monomorphic. Wild cheetahs often occur in small isolated or patch populations that lead to further narrowing of the gene pool. Breeding programmes should direct their breeding to reproduce animals with distinctly different genetic lineages to maintain a healthy ex situ reserve of animals. Where possible these animals may be used to support gene diversity in wild populations. Cheetahs that have been bred in captivity can be released in protected areas in the wild after the animals have gone through a process of adjustment or “rewilding”. During this period the animals are transferred to large enclosed areas which have a suitable prey base in a habitat of mixed open savanna to grassland as cheetahs prefer open areas to hunt Then the rations fed to the animals are reduced over time so as to entice them to take natural prey. The animals need to be closely monitored during this time to evaluate their suitability for possible reintroduction. It is preferable that the wilding area is free, or has a low population of predators that may prey upon the cheetahs as captive bred animals will need time to adapt and become aware of the threat to survival that other predators may represent. . 30 Cheetahs born at the centre have been released into the wild.
