Asiatic Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus venaticus

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Mammalia · Carnivora · Felidae

About

The Asiatic cheetah is a critically endangered cheetah subspecies currently surviving in Iran. Its range once spread from the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East to the Caspian region, Transcaucasus, Kyzylkum Desert and northern South Asia, but was extirpated in these regions during the 20th century. The Asiatic cheetah diverged from the cheetah population in Africa between 32,000 and 67,000 years ago.

Fun Fact

Fewer than 50 Asiatic cheetahs survive, all in Iran's central deserts, making this the rarest big cat subspecies on Earth — even rarer than the Amur leopard.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Arid grasslands and steppe

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

10-12 years

Threats

Poaching
Invasive Species
Urban Expansion
Agricultural Conversion

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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