Title
Chapter Title: Pets and Pelts: Understanding and Combating Poaching and Trafficking in Cheetahs
Book Title: Cheetahs: Biology and Conservation
Author(s)
Tricorache, Patricia; Nowell, Kristin; Wirth, Günther; Mitchell, Nicholas; Boast, Lorraine K.; Marker, Laurie
Published
2018
Abstract
Abstract It is estimated that, between November 2005 and December 2015, over 1000 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) have been removed from the wild for the illegal pet trade, or killed for their pelts and other body parts for clothing, ornaments, traditional ceremonies, and folk remedies. The main problem is the smuggling of young cheetah cubs snatched from their mothers from the Horn of Africa, through Yemen, to the wealthy countries of the Arabian Peninsula, where ownership of pet cheetahs is significant, as evidenced by thousands of images on social media. International efforts are underway to improve enforcement and education to reduce both demand and supply. Cheetahs are just one of many species poached or trafficked, but as a species with low genetic diversity and low numbers, illegal trade represents a significant threat to their survival. Consequently, it is crucial that all governments, international enforcement bodies, and non-governmental organizations join forces and resources to fight the major threat that trafficking poses to cheetah conservation.
Keywords
CITES;confiscations;eastern Africa;Gulf Cooperation Council;illegal wildlife trade;pet trade;trafficking

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PUB21419