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Rare Cheetah Spotted in Sahara

Camera-trap snaps 'incredibly elusive' subspecies

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2009 3:36 AM CST

(Newser) – An incredibly rare and elusive Saharan cheetah has been caught on camera in the Algerian desert, reports the Daily Telegraph. Fewer than 250 of the animals are believed to exist. Zoological Society of London researchers obtained the camera-trap photos as part of a project to systematically survey life in the Central Sahara. They say they hope the new evidence will help protect the critically endangered subspecies.

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A critically endangered Saharan cheetah caught on camera in the Algerian desert. (Farid Belbachir / ZSL / OPNA)

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The Saharan cheetah is critically endangered, yet virtually nothing is known about the population, so this new evidence, and the ongoing research work, is hugely significant. - Dr Sarah Durant, senior research fellow with the Zoological Society of London

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Rare Cheetah Spotted in Sahara