By Abdullahi Lukman
Six cheetah cubs, only three weeks old, have been spotted at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape, marking a hopeful moment for cheetah conservation.
Captured on the reserve’s thermal cameras, the tiny cubs, huddled close to their mother, symbolize a promising increase in the cheetah population in the region.
With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild, the birth of these cubs is particularly significant, as the species faces critical genetic challenges. “Cheetahs are one of the most genetically uniform species on Earth, descending from just about 10 breeding pairs,” explained Johann Lombard, General Manager at Lalibela Wildlife Reserve.
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“This uniformity results in a restricted gene pool, which contributes to higher cub mortality, reduced reproductive success, and greater vulnerability to disease.”
While the cubs represent an important step forward for the population at Lalibela, conservation efforts are also focused on maintaining genetic diversity across the broader meta-population in South African reserves.
Lombard emphasized, “We are implementing a comprehensive genetic management strategy to ensure a sustainable future for these animals, both at Lalibela and across the country.”
Lalibela’s visitors have the opportunity to observe this vital conservation effort firsthand. The reserve, known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers twice-daily game drives where guests can see the cheetah mother hunting at dawn or dusk.
Though the cubs will likely remain hidden for several more weeks as their mother keeps them protected from predators like lions and hyenas, this new generation marks a critical moment in the fight to preserve one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered predators.
