IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Bissett, C.; Bernard, R.; Parker, D. | |
| Demography of Cheetahs in South Africa and the Role of Small Reserves in their Conservation | |
| 2007 Conference Proceeding | |
The cheetah (_Acinonyx jubatus_) is listed on CITES appendix 1 as vulnerable in sub-Saharan Africa. The conservation of cheetahs in Africa is problematic, especially for free-roaming animals where conflict with humans and livestock is inevitable. However, the creation of enclosed (usually small, < 60 000 ha) reserves in South Africa may provide a conservation alternative. We conducted a questionnaire based survey to quantify key demographic parameters and to assess the role of small reserves in cheetah conservation. All re-introduced cheetahs reproduced, with females having more than one litter after re-introduction (range: 2-11 litters). Average litter size varied between 3.1 and 4.4 cubs prior to the cubs reaching independence. Mortality rates were significantly different amongst the respondents. Most reserves that had other large predators present, or coalitions of male cheetahs, had significantly higher mortality rates (~30%) than those without (~3%). Reserve size did not affect cheetah survival, except when other large predators and cheetah coalitions were present. Based on these results, we conclude that small reserves can provide an important conservation alternative for cheetahs in South Africa. However, the problems associated with the confinement of large predators and the management of the reserves as a metapopulation must be considered. |
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