Wildlife conservation is an ever-challenging field where every discovery counts. Recently, a wild cheetah sighting in Djibouti, after over 30 years, brought smiles to the researchers involved in a biodiversity survey. However, this discovery is just the beginning of a long journey towards cheetah conservation in East Africa.
The Challenges Facing Cheetah Conservation
Cheetahs, lions, and leopards are part of Africa’s “big cat” triumvirate, whose numbers have been dwindling rapidly. Cheetah habitats have contracted significantly, with their geographical range reduced to only 9% of their historical territories. Researchers call for an upgrade in their conservation status from “vulnerable” to “endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Cheetah Conservation in East Africa
East Africa is home to only about 300 cheetahs facing the challenges of illegal pet trade, habitat loss, and fragmentation of territories. Djibouti’s rapid development and rich biodiversity warrant further study to determine whether it could provide crucial habitat for this rapidly declining species.
Biodiversity Survey in Djibouti
In 2021, the World Bank commissioned American ornithologist Dr. Evan Buechley to conduct a biodiversity survey in Djibouti. Along with his team, they studied mammals, birds, and plants, using camera traps to record large mammals in various regions.
The Exciting Discovery
The team captured images of caracal, spotted hyena, and three potential cheetah prey species. However, the most exciting find came when a camera on the remote Digri Plateau captured six images of a cheetah on March 30th, 2021. While this discovery has sparked hope and interest, further research is necessary to assess the presence of cheetah populations in Djibouti.
Cautious Optimism
Dr. Megan Murgatroyd cautions the need for more research to assess the presence of cheetah populations in Djibouti. Dr. Buechley acknowledges the possibility that the sighting was merely a lone individual on an extensive trek across the Horn of Africa. However, Dr. Mark Chynoweth’s findings suggest sufficient prey might be available to support a cheetah population.
Researchers’ discovery of a wild cheetah in Djibouti is a rare glimmer of hope in the challenging field of wildlife conservation. Despite the many hurdles that lie ahead, this exciting discovery has undoubtedly piqued the interest of researchers, encouraging them to delve deeper into the mysteries of Djibouti’s breathtaking biodiversity.
