1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:
- Agriculture and Development: Land conversion for agriculture and urbanization destroyed their natural habitat, leaving them with less space to roam and hunt.
- Forest Clearing: Extensive deforestation reduced the prey base for cheetahs, making it difficult for them to survive.
2. Hunting and Poaching:
- Sport Hunting: Cheetahs were historically hunted for sport by royalty and wealthy landowners, leading to population decline.
- Poaching: Their skins and body parts were highly prized for their perceived medicinal value, further decimating the population.
3. Competition with other Predators:
- Competition with other predators: Cheetahs faced competition for prey from other predators like leopards and tigers, which were better adapted to the changing environment.
4. Disease and Parasites:
- Disease and parasites: Cheetahs were vulnerable to diseases and parasites, particularly in fragmented and disturbed habitats, which further weakened the population.
5. Lack of Genetic Diversity:
- Low genetic diversity: The Indian cheetah population was already small and genetically isolated, making them more susceptible to extinction.
6. Lack of Conservation Efforts:
- Lack of effective conservation measures: There were limited efforts to protect the cheetahs in the past, which contributed to their decline.
7. Human-wildlife Conflict:
- Human-wildlife conflict: As human populations expanded, conflict with cheetahs increased, leading to retaliatory killings and further population decline.
The last confirmed sighting of a wild Indian cheetah in India was in 1947. This combination of factors ultimately led to the extinction of the Indian cheetah in the country.