Founders Note

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman

Being frequent visitors to Masai Mara, it is hard for us to imagine that landscape without the Cheetah.

Over the years, we have been lucky to witness some high-speed Cheetah chases, and we can vouch that it is an unbelievable experience that makes you even forget to breathe. It is one of those experiences which is impossible to witness without being touched, and you return with renewed respect for these marvelous cats.

While we urge you to grab any opportunity to witness these enigmatic species, please do so respecting the personal space of the animal. This is even more important while visiting cubs, a group of vehicles and a barrage of cameras in near proximity will spook the mother and force her to move the cubs. Many cubs are lost this way by getting exposed to other competing animals.

It is sad that these animals have been wiped out from most of their historic ranges and are only seen in few parts of Africa and just one country in Asia. The causes are many, but the human impact has also been pivotal in this tragic loss. Habitat fragmentation by the increased influence of human activities is driving many species to the brink of extinction.

We thank all the wonderful photographers for your wonderful Cheetah images and sincerely hope that we have done justice to your photographs in this edition. Please continue to contribute by submitting your images online. Your images, married with the latest in scientific knowledge will be powerful tools for conservation.

www.pawstrails.com

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman
Founders – Paws Trails Explorers