ADDIS ABABA – The First Global Cheetah Summit commenced in Addis Ababa, focusing on the critical challenges faced by the fastest land animal and one of the most endangered big cats. The summit aims to forge a united approach to halt the decline of cheetah populations globally.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, in partnership with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), the summit has attracted a wide array of international participants. These include representatives from governments, universities, non-governmental organizations, policy and economy institutes, local and Indigenous communities, and private enterprises. Over the next three days, these stakeholders will engage in discussions to identify and implement effective strategies for cheetah conservation.

Current statistics present a concerning picture for cheetah conservation. Today, fewer than 7,500 adult and adolescent cheetahs are estimated to exist across 31 populations in 23 African countries, in addition to a critically endangered population of Asiatic cheetahs in Iran, numbering less than 25. Alarmingly, more than two-thirds of these populations comprise fewer than 100 individuals.

Research underscores the urgency of the situation, indicating that without significant intervention, cheetahs could face extinction within the next 20 years. This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the majority of cheetahs reside outside protected areas, making them vulnerable to a range of threats.

The Global Cheetah Summit in Addis Ababa represents a pivotal moment in international wildlife conservation efforts, aiming to galvanize action and develop sustainable solutions to preserve this iconic species for future generations.