Are Cheetahs Endangered?

Yes, they are (or at least very close to it). Cheetahs are officially listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which means they are at high risk of becoming endangered. Today, it’s estimated that only about 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild. Their population has dropped significantly in recent decades, and they now occupy just a fraction of their historic range. The reality behind many of my cheetah prints is this ongoing decline, which makes my cheetah collection both a form of art and a quiet call for awareness.

Many people ask the same question when they come across one of these images: are cheetahs endangered? The answer is not simple, but the signs are clear. Their numbers are falling, their range is shrinking, and without protection, their future in the wild remains uncertain. In some areas, cheetahs have already disappeared. Others have populations so small and isolated that their survival is unlikely without intervention. If current pressures continue, cheetahs may soon be reclassified as Endangered.

Female cheetah showing off her teeth.

What’s putting cheetahs at risk?

Several major threats are contributing to the decline of wild cheetah populations:

• Loss of habitat

  As farmland, fences, and roads expand, cheetahs lose access to the large, open areas they rely on for hunting and survival.

• Conflict with people

  Cheetahs sometimes kill livestock, leading to retaliation from farmers. This conflict often results in cheetahs being killed to protect cattle or goats.

• Decline in prey

  Overhunting, land use changes, and habitat degradation have led to a drop in natural prey species, making it harder for cheetahs to find food.

• Illegal wildlife trade

  In some parts of the world, cheetah cubs are captured and sold into the exotic pet trade. Most do not survive the journey.

  
  

Why are cheetahs endangered?

Cheetahs differ from other big cats in important ways. They are not physically strong compared to lions or leopards, and they avoid confrontation whenever possible. They often lose their kills to larger predators and must rely on stealth, speed, and space to survive.

Cheetahs need vast, uninterrupted areas of land. They thrive in open savannahs where they can scan for prey and avoid danger. Fragmented or heavily disturbed environments don’t suit their needs. Without enough space, their ability to hunt, raise cubs, and avoid conflict is compromised.

What this means for me as a fine art wildlife photographer

As a wildlife photographer, I’ve spent years following cheetahs through the wild landscapes of Africa. What stays with me is not just their speed, but their alertness, patience, and the still moments between the action. These are the moments I try to capture in my cheetah prints.

Each photograph tells more than a visual story. It carries a sense of presence. The way a cheetah looks across a plain. The curve of its body as it pauses before a chase. The quiet connection between a mother and her cub. These details remind us of what is at risk if we allow these animals to disappear.

Cheetah prints are more than decorative pieces. They are windows into a world that is under pressure. For many people, having a fine art cheetah print on their wall becomes a way to stay connected to the wild and to remember what matters. It is a subtle but powerful way of bringing attention to the need for protection and awareness.

How we can help protect cheetahs

There are meaningful ways to support cheetah conservation:

• Support trusted organisations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Panthera that work directly with communities and protect natural habitats

• Travel with responsible safari companies that invest in conservation and local economies

• Share information, stories, and images that raise awareness

• Support ethical wildlife photography that respects the subject and the environment

• Stay informed and encourage others to care about these animals before it’s too late

  
  

Cheetahs still roam the wild in parts of Africa, moving with intention and grace through the grasslands. But their numbers are small, and their future depends on protection, space, and the choices we make. Every effort helps, and every voice matters.

If you would like to explore some of these quiet moments captured in the field, view my cheetah prints collection