Comic Summary
This comic book tells the story of the threats facing cheetahs in the wild, how they have adapted to survive, and how to recognize and differentiate them from other predators. It is a story about a cheetah named Naledi and her nine cubs, which also serves as an educational document on cheetah biology, conservation, and threats they face in the wild. The narrative is framed as a story told by a wise grandfather to his grandchildren, Vusa and Thandi, after they encounter a cheetah in the Kalahari bush.
Overview of Content
The core themes explored in the comic include:
- Cheetah Biology and Adaptations: The story introduces the cheetah’s distinctive black tear marks, which the grandfather explains act like “sunglasses” to reduce sun glare during daytime hunting. The document also includes a section detailing various cheetah adaptations for survival, such as non-retractable claws for grip, a flexible spine for long strides, and enlarged lungs and heart for running. The unique spots, purring ability, and excellent eyesight are also highlighted.
- Cheetah vs. Leopard: The document provides a comparison to help children distinguish between a cheetah and a leopard. This is important because the children initially mistake the cheetah for a leopard.
- Cheetah Conservation Threats: The main body of the story about the lost cubs illustrates the major dangers facing cheetahs in the Kalahari, including:
- Predation: Illustrated by the first cub encountering a lion, a threat mitigated by the cub’s honey badger-mimicking white back fur.
- Illegal Pet Trade: The second cub is caught in a trap set by poachers for the illegal pet trade.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: The third cub is chased by cattle when trying to pass through a former wildlife corridor that is now a farm. The fourth and fifth cubs encounter humans, highlighting the danger of farmers shooting cheetahs they fear are eating their livestock.
- Illegal Bushmeat Poaching: The sixth cub is caught in a snare, a piece of wire trap set to catch animals for bushmeat, which also depletes the wild prey base.
- Climate Change/Drought: The eighth cub nearly drowns in sticky mud when searching for water in a riverbed dried up by drought.
- Poisoning: The ninth cub almost eats poisoned meat intended to kill carnivores that have eaten livestock, which also kills non-target scavengers.
- Cheetah and Leopard Comparison: A dedicated section of the document contrasts the physical traits and conservation status of cheetahs and leopards, which live in similar areas.
Testimonials:
“Education builds connection. It fosters understanding, inspires leadership, and creates a sense of ownership. When young people are given the chance to experience the natural world — and understand their role in protecting it — conservation becomes a shared responsibility. This, in turn, reduces long-term pressure on protected areas, strengthens community partnerships, and lays the social foundations on which conservation success depends. In short, education is one of the most powerful investments we can make into lasting impact.”
“Many thanks indeed on behalf of all at EfA for all SACTs wonderful work on these comics which are making such a huge contribution to our important educational work in Botswana.”
