What animals depend on the cheetah for survival?

There's no direct evidence that any animal depends on the cheetah for survival in the way that, for example, a bird depends on a tree for nesting.

However, cheetahs do play a role in the ecosystem that indirectly benefits other animals:

* Competition: Cheetahs compete with other predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas for prey. This competition helps regulate prey populations and prevent overgrazing, which benefits other herbivores.

* Scavenging: While cheetahs are primarily hunters, they may scavenge on carcasses left behind by other predators. This provides a food source for smaller scavengers like vultures, hyenas, and jackals.

* Ecosystem Balance: As apex predators, cheetahs help maintain the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the populations of their prey. This ensures the health and stability of the entire ecosystem.

Therefore, while no animal directly *depends* on the cheetah for survival, their presence in the ecosystem is crucial for the well-being of many other species.