IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Purchase, G. | |
| Status and distribution of cheetah in Zambia: a preliminary assessment | |
| 2007 Cat News (Special Issue 3): 40-42 | |
The historical and present day distribution of cheetah in Zambia appear to be similar, although the range has contracted. Liuwa Plains National Park, the northern section of the Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park still hold populations of cheetahs, although it was not possible to estimate population sizes. Cheetahs are reported from the Chimbwi plains area of the Bangwelu complex of protected areas, but sightings are infrequent. Cheetahs are also reported from the area between North and South Luangwa Parks, but appear to now be absent from the North Luangwa Park. It is not clear if cheetahs are still vagrant or extirpated in the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounds. No data were available regarding the status of cheetahs in the remaining national parks, and in unprotected areas. The main threat to cheetahs appears to be a loss of suitable habitat and competition with humans, and a reduction in available prey. Given the reduction in range, there is an urgent need for a survey of Zambia to determine cheetah population sizes, and threats to their survival. |
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