#cheetah cubs

[big-catsss]

(by Marcus Westberg)

[animalsandanimals]

[biologist4ever]

[johnnyslittleanimalblog]

Cheetah and Cubs - 2566b+ by Jen Hall Via Flickr: These cheetah cubs were so cute and playful. Here they are playing while mom looks on for food or trouble! Masai Mara, Kenya 

[paxthepuppycat]

hey i saw your most recent stimboard post and thought it was super cute could i request one for a king cheetah?? /nf /pos

thank you in advance!!

Cheetah Stimboard!

[thepariahcontinuum]

Went back to the local Wildlife Park yesterday, fun times.

My girlfriend brought her digital camera....Her pics are a lot better than these

[ogerponpropaganda]

Tony (tickspics)

[dropsofsciencenews]

OpenStreetMap to Stop Cheetah Trafficking

ITA version ESP version

Behind the glamorous social media photos of cheetah cubs lies a dark reality. With fewer than 7,000 individuals in the wild, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is one of the world’s most endangered species, and the illegal trade of live cubs, especially in the Horn of Africa, is devastating its populations. Poachers take cubs from their mothers while they hunt, selling them into the luxury pet market at prices reaching $50,000 per cub. Between 2020 and 2023, this trade increased by 50%, posing a serious threat to the species' survival.

However, a new methodology developed by a research team could finally help monitor and disrupt illegal cheetah trafficking through a three-tiered approach. Scientists are mapping not only the trafficking routes but also previously undocumented cheetah populations, combining prey species distribution models, habitat suitability, and a trafficking network based on OpenStreetMap data.

The first step involves locating cheetah prey, such as gazelles and antelopes, which are essential for their survival. The team used Maxent, a machine learning method, to cross-reference prey presence data with environmental variables like climate and land cover, thus mapping the most suitable areas for cheetah survival. This step identifies key conservation areas and, unfortunately, those most vulnerable to poaching.

Based on these data, researchers developed a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) specific to cheetahs, highlighting areas where their survival is most probable. This model identifies regions with optimal conditions for stable populations and locates areas at risk of trafficking, enabling targeted interventions.

Finally, a model was created to understand how traffickers move cheetahs from remote origin areas to Arabian Peninsula markets. By integrating OpenStreetMap data on roads, ports, and border crossings, researchers identified the most likely land and sea routes and main transit points. Route optimization tools mapped out trafficking “hotspots,” allowing law enforcement to plan strategic interventions at critical crossing points, such as less monitored ports and borders.

This model is a breakthrough in conservation, as it not only enables mapping and monitoring of trafficking routes but also reveals previously undocumented cheetahs, giving scientists and conservationists a more complete picture of the situation. With this discovery, we finally have a system to protect one of Africa’s most iconic species and provide local communities with a tool to defend their natural resources.

See You Soon and Good Science!

source

[ily-cheetah]

quick chee practice sketch !! :] 🐆🫶

[zoeandsubaloveart]

Nick Brandt

[big-catsss]

(by Yaron Schmid)

[animalsandanimals]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nick Kleer (@nickkleer)

Nick Kleer

[biologist4ever]

[johnnyslittleanimalblog]

Playtime - 3708b+ by Jen Hall Via Flickr: Cheetah cubs playing, testing out those claws. Look at the size of those back paws! Cheetahs aren't good climbers, but don't tell those cubs! Masai Mara, Kenya Happy Safari Sunday...

[electricpentacle]

Mother cats, big or small, have two expressions:

"If you even think about touching my children I will shred you."

"Oh dear Bast. Why are there so many of them?"

For the first time in Saint Louis Zoo history, a cheetah has given birth to 8 cheetah cubs .

Awww look at their faces! I want to cuddle them!!

But I wont.