* Habitat loss and fragmentation: European settlers and their successors often converted cheetah habitat, such as grasslands and savannas, into farmland, settlements, and industrial areas.
* Hunting and poaching: Cheetahs were historically hunted for their fur and bones, and poaching continues to be a threat in many areas.
* Human-wildlife conflict: As human populations expanded, conflict with cheetahs over livestock and other resources increased, leading to retaliatory killings.
It's important to note:
* While the decline began in the late 19th century, it accelerated in the 20th century, with the development of advanced weaponry and the increasing demand for cheetah products.
* The decline has been particularly dramatic in the past few decades, with estimates suggesting that less than 7,100 cheetahs are left in the wild today.
Therefore, the decline of cheetah numbers is a long-term trend, with the most rapid decline occurring in recent times.