Asiatic cheetah: The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)

The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), a subspecies of Asiatic cheetah, was once widely distributed in Asian regions from the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East to the Caspian region, South Caucasus, and India. Today, their distribution is limited to the central desert areas of Iran, which are their last refuge for life. The Asiatic cheetah once roamed from Saudi Arabia to India, but today its range is limited to a small area in Iran. A cousin to the better known African cheetah, the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) is an important part of its native ecosystems, occupying hilly, mountainous terrain in eastern Iran. It is a critically endangered subspecies of cheetah with less than 40 individuals remaining worldwide. The modern range of the Asiatic cheetah has decreased in the last several ... 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. [3] The Asiatic cheetahs reside in the central regions of Iran, specifically the desert areas of Dasht-e Kavir. This region have a harsh desert landscape, characterized by hot and dry conditions and sparse vegetation. It is crucial to protect the cheetah’s natural habitat in Iran to prevent the decline of this endangered species. However, working in a sanctioned country like Iran poses challenges for conservation efforts. Iran is currently facing economic and political sanctions, which limit ...