Not one, but two Cheetah cubs were on a sighting today, found by our guiding team Sabelo and Viktor while out on a drive this evening. This is great news and their size shows successful rearing by their mother.
Cheetah are endangered species and we value these rare and notable sightings in the Sabi Sand. Cub mortality is high as cheetah survival in the wild is difficult. Cheetahs are one of the most successful hunters on the savanna but their kills are very often stolen by larger carnivores or predators that hunt in groups, leaving them vulnerable.
As cheetah are solitary animals, the female also takes care of herself and her cubs, ensuring their survival, she needs to feed them up to 18 months old. Adult mortality is one of the most significant limiting factors for the growth and survival of the wild cheetah population as their biggest predator is lion.
Cheetah Plains support the initiatives and conservation efforts of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, and particularly hold dear those directed towards cheetahs. The SSNR track and monitor cheetah activity in the area. There are fewer than 10 cheetahs spread across the reserve and we are lucky enough every so often to see them on the plains.
As the ethos stands to protect, preserve, and promote the sustained wellbeing of wildlife and the ecosystem, together we are ensuring that this area continues to provide a suitable and safe habitat for vulnerable species, such as the widely esteemed and deeply adored cheetah.
- Share:
