In a tragic turn of events, an Asiatic cheetah was killed by armed villagers in the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan, near Sui. The rare animal, which had strayed into the vicinity, was pursued to its den and shot dead. The incident was captured on video, sparking outrage and sorrow on social media.
Despite the widespread condemnation, the district administration has yet to take any action against those responsible for the killing of this endangered species. This lack of response has further fueled public outcry, with many demanding justice for the slain cheetah.
Local residents justified their actions by stating that the cheetah had been attacking their goats, posing a threat to their livestock. However, conservationists argue that the killing of such a rare animal cannot be excused, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species.
Cheetahs, known for their distinctive tawny coats with black spots, hold the title of the world’s fastest land mammals. While they typically inhabit open grasslands, these magnificent creatures can be found in various habitats across eastern and southern Africa.
According to National Geographic, “One subspecies, the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, can only be found in Iran, and only a few hundred are believed to be left.” This highlights the significance of the cheetah killed in Balochistan, as sightings of this subspecies are extremely rare.
A blog by the International Society for Endangered Cats Canada also mentioned that Asiatic cheetahs were once found across the grasslands of India, Pakistan, Russia, and the Middle East. However, their numbers have dwindled drastically over the years. “There have been no sightings in Afghanistan since the 1950s, and a 2001 survey in Pakistan found no sign of the big cats,” the blog noted.
The killing of the Asiatic cheetah in Dera Bugti underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife protection measures in the region. Conservationists call for immediate action to prevent further loss of such rare and endangered species, stressing that the survival of these magnificent creatures depends on human intervention and the enforcement of strict conservation laws.
