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Karami M. 1992. Cheetah distribution in Khorasan
Province, Iran. Cat News 16:4.
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|
Information on the abundance of cheetah in Iran has
always been scanty and unreliable. Even during the 1970s, when the Iran
Department of the Environment had many opportunities to carry out research on
cheetah's biology, abundance and distribution, no such effort was made.
Specific skin patterns of the Asiatic cheetah and encounters between man and
cheetah in the province of Khorasan during the 1980s are described.
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Karami_1992_Cheetah_distribution_in_Khorasan_Province_Iran.pdf
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Kat PW. 1993. Genetics of the cheetah: What we know
and how we should use this knowledge. Swara
16:13.
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|
The number of people the
author met that are conversant with the genetics of cheetahs is amazing. The
wisdom of programmes that propose to curve a variety of ills merely by
increasing genetic variation, however, are unconvincing, and have largely
resulted from a lack of understanding of complexities involved.
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Kat_1993_Genetics_of_the_cheetah.pdf
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Keller B. 1993. Has the
cheetah outrun its chances for survival? International Herald Tribune,
18.5.1993
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This journal article tells about the conflicts between the cheetah
and humans, its decline over the history and its poor reproductive success in
captivity. A sustainable development of farm areas is urgent to save the land
from desertification and consequently the cheetah from extinction.
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Keller_1993_Has_the_cheetah_outrun_its_chances_for_survival.pdf
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Kelly M.J. 2001. Computer-aided
photograph matching in studies using individual identification: an example from
Serengeti cheetahs. J Mamm 82(2):440-9.
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|
Photographic identification of
naturally marked animals is a powerful and non-intrusive technique for
obtaining information on behavior, population size, and life-history parameters
in wild populations. Yet handling large quantities of photographs is time
consuming and prone to error. Computer-aided matching can limit the number of
photographs that must be examined visually to confirm that 2 sightings are the
same individual. To identify individuals, a 3-dimensional (3-D)
computer-matching system was used to aid in matching nearly 10,000 photographs
of Serengeti cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus, taken over 25 years. Accuracy in matching of photographs was measured by
computer-generated similarity
coefficients. 3-D computer aided matching does not require familiarity with
distinctive features of the particular study animal, it is robust to matcher
inexperience. This technique can be modified for other species that have
complex and variable pelage patterns.
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Kelly_2001_Computer_photograph_matching_of_cheetahs.pdf
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Kelly J, Dryman T, O'Brien SJ, Kraus D,
Marker-Kraus L. NOAHS Center - Leading the way. 1990.
Washington D.C., NOAHS.
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|
Established for endangered wildlife, the Center for New
Opportunities in Animal Health Sciences, NOAHS Center, is a cooperative program
between the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park and the National
Institutes of Health, dedicated to advancing biological knowledge relevant to
species conservation. With the cheetah, the Center emerged from a successful
collaborative project. Screening cheetah blood proteins and DNA, they
discovered that the cheetah displayed an extraordinary lack of genetic
diversity that severely threatens its survival. NOAHS Center made management
recommendations that led to the National Cheetah Research Master Plan and also
manages the International Cheetah Studbook.
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Kelly_et_al_1990_NOAHS_Center_Leading_the_way.pdf
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Kelly M. 2001. Matching: An
example from Serengeti cheetahs. Cat News 34:29.
|
|
Increasing numbers of
long-term studies have shown that natural marks can be used to identify
individuals using a photographic file index. Photographic identification is a
powerful non-intrusive method for obtaining information on behavior, population
size and live-history parameters in wild populations.
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Kelly_2001_Computer-aided_Photograph_Matching_in_Cheetahs_CatNews34.pdf
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Kelly M. 2001. Serengeti
cheetah viability and the lion factor. Cat News 34:28-9.
|
|
Serengeti cheetahs are well
protected from poaching inside Serengeti National Park, but 70% of cheetah cubs
are killed by other predators, mainly lions. Within the National Park it is
likely that adult survival will remain high while juvenile survival will
fluctuate depending on predation pressure. At low lion density, the cheetah
population has a very low risk of extinction. Recently, lions did suffer an
extreme population decline on the plains by canine distemper. Currently,
however, the lion population is rebounding dramatically. What do you do when
one endangered species is killing off another in your very large reserve?
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Kelly_2001_Serengeti_Cheetah_Viability_and_Lion_Factor_CatNews_34.pdf
|
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Kelly MJ, Laurenson MK,
FitzGibbon CD, Collins DA, Durant SM, Frame GW, Bertram BCR, Caro TM. 1998.
Demography of the Serengeti cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population: the first 25
years. J Zool , Lond 244:473-88.
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|
Data are presented on the
demography and reproductive success of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
living on the Serengeti Plains, Tanzania over a 25-year period. Average age at
independence was 17.1 months, females gave birth to their first litter at
approximately 2.4 years old, interbirth interval was 20.1 months, and average
litter size at independence was 2.1 cubs. Females who survived to independence
lived on average 6.2 years while minimum male average longevity was 2.8 years
for those born in the study area and 5.3 years for immigrants, with a large
proportion of males dispersing out of the Plains population. Females produced
on average only 1.7 cubs to independence in their entire lifetime and their
average reproductive rates were 0.36 cubs per year or 0.17 litters per year to
independence. Variance in lifetime reproductive success in the cheetah is
similar to that of other mammals. No significant negative correlations were
found between adult cheetah population size and numbers of cubs reaching
independence, implying that the Plains population had not reached carrying
capacity. Annual numbers of adult female cheetahs only were correlated with
rainfall. Adult female cheetah numbers were not correlated with adult female
lion numbers on the Plains, however, reproductive rates of cheetahs were
negatively correlated with the presence of lions while cheetahs had cubs. Moreover,
cheetah reproductive success was lower during the period of high lion abundance
(1980±1994) than during the earlier period of relatively few lions (1969±1979).
Litter size at independence dropped from 2.5 to 2.0, lifetime reproductive
success declined from 2.1 to 1.6 cubs reared to independence, and the
reproductive rate (cubs/year) decreased from 0.42 to 0.36 from the earlier to
the later period. Cheetah reproductive success showed little association with
the presence of Thomson's gazelle at sightings except for a negative
correlation between large numbers of gazelle (200±500) and reproductive success
possibly because hunting success decreases with increasing prey herd size, or
because cheetahs always lose in direct competition with other predators which
are attracted to large congregations of prey. In addition, cheetah reproductive
success was negatively correlated with the presence of Grant's gazelles (11 or
more) perhaps because Grant's gazelles were more likely to occur consistently
in dry areas.
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Kelly_et_al_1998_Long-term_cheetah_demography.pdf
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Kelly MJ, Durant SM. 2000.
Viability of the Serengeti cheetah population. Conservation Biology
14(3):786-97.
|
|
Most recent population viability analyses, especially those of
long-litled species, rely on only a few years of data or data from a closely
related species, combined with educated guesswork, to estimate model parameters
and the variability surrounding those measures. This makes their conclusions or
predictions difficult to evaluate. In our study, we used 20 years of
demographic data on Serengeti cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to conduct a
population viability analysis. First we constructed a model of the
deterministic growth rate and found that the cheetah population is nearly
serf-replacing (A = 0.997). Our model showed that population growth was most
strongly influenced by adult survival followed by juvenile survival, which is
typical of long-lived, iteroparous species. We then examined extinction risk
and long-term projections of cheetah population size with our stochastic model,
Popgen. We compared the projections with over 20 years of field data and found
that demographic stochasticity trials produced a stable population size,
whereas environmental stochasticity trials were slightly more pessimistic.
Extinction risk was highly sensitive to both adult survival and juvenile
survival (from 0-1 years). Decreasing the variance in survival rates also
decreased extinction risk. Because lions are the major predator on cheetah
cubs, we used our demographic records to simulate the effect of different lion
numbers on juvenile survival. High lion abundance and average lion abundance
resulted in extinction of nearly all cheetah populations by 50 years, whereas
with low lion abundance most cheetah populations remained extant. Conservation
of cheetahs may not rely solely on their protection inside national parks, but
may also rely on their protection in natural areas outside national parks where
other large predators are absent.
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Kelly_&_Durant_2000_Serengeti_cheetah_population_viability.pdf
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Kelly MJ. 2001. Lineage loss
in Serengeti cheetahs: consequences of high reproductive variance and
heritability of fitness on effective population size. Conservation Biology
15(1):137-47.
|
|
In natural populations, many breeders do not leave surviving
offspring, and as a result many potential genetic lineages are lost. I examined
lineage extinction in Serengeti cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and found
that 76% of matrilines were lost over a 25-year period. Production of future
breeders was nonrandom and generally confined to a few families. Five out of 63
matrilines accounted for 45% of the total cheetah population over the course of
the study. Lineage persistence is perhaps best illustrated by the variance in
lifetime reproductive success (LRS) and heritability in this parameter. In
female cheetahs, variance in LRS was high, and new data show that this LRS was
heritable. Variance in LRS and heritability in LRS have dramatic consequences
for effective population size, Ne. I calculated Ne
for cheetahs, taking into account fluctuating population size, unequal sex
ratio, non-Poisson distribution of reproductive success, and heritability of
fitness. The Ne was most strongly affected by variance in
reproductive success and especially heritability in reproductive success. The
variance Ne was 44% of the actual population size, and the
inclusion of heritability further reduced Ne to only 15% of
the actual population, a ratio similar to that of a social carnivore with
reproductive suppression. The current cheetah population in the Serengeti is
below numbers suggested by Ne estimates as sufficient to
maintain sufficient genetic diversity.
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Kelly_2001_Lineage_loss_in_Serengeti_Cheetahs.pdf
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|
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Kennedy M, Kania S, Stylianides E, Bertschinger H,
Keet D, van Vuuren M. 2003. Detection of Feline
Coronavirus Infection in southern African nondomestic Felids. J Wildl Dis
39(3):529-35.
|
|
Feline coronavirus (FCoV)
infects members of the Felidae family with results ranging from seroconversion
with no disease to fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Infection of
nondomestic felids with FCoV is of concern, particularly in endangered
populations such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). In this investigation, we
tested 342 animals in the Republic of South Africa and Namibia, including 140
animals from wild populations, for evidence of FCoV infection by serology
and/or reverse transcription/nested polymerase chain reaction (RT/nPCR) on
feces from 1999 through 2001. Past or current infection was evaluated. Of
these, 195 animals had evidence of infection and included 41 animals from wild
populations. Serology (indirect immunofluorescence) did not always correlate
with viral RNA detection, as seronegative animals were occasionally
virus-positive, while many seropositive animals were not shedding virus.
Serology indicated the infecting virus was most closely related to type I FCoV.
Antibody levels in the majority of animals were low, even in those actively
infected. Ten of 48 animals tested at more than one time point by RT/nPCR were
shedding virus at multiple time points possibly indicating persistent animals
tested had evidence of current or previous FCoV infection. Testing by serology
and RT/nPCR is recommended for screening for FCoV infection.
|
|
Kennedy_et_al_2003_Detection_of_Feline_Coronavirus_infection_in_Southern_African_nondomestic_Felids.pdf
|
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|
|
Kieser JA, Groeneveld HT.
1991. Fluctuating odontometric asymmetry, morphological variability, and
genetic monomorphism in the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. Evolution 45(5):1175-83.
|
|
The magnitudes of dimensional variability and fluctuating
asymmetry in dental dimensions are reported for a sample of South African
cheetah Acinonyx jubatus. To test the hypothesis that elevated levels of
variability and asymmetry are associated with the increased developmental
instability reported for this species, our results were contrasted to those for
two other felids: Felis lybica and F. caracal. These findings
suggest that dental dimensions in cheetahs are not significantly more variable
or asymmetric. Hence, it is concluded that the cheetah may not be as
developmentally unstable as was previously supposed.
|
|
Kieser_&_Groeneveld_1991_Fluctuating_odontometric_asymmetry_in_the_cheetah.pdf
|
|
|
|
Killmar L, Grisham J. 1995.
North American cheetah SSP workshop on feline immunodeficiency virus 4 p.
|
|
The aim of the workshop was to
bring together the scientists currently working on FIV and other infectious
diseases in the cheetah and develop a course of action for infectious disease
monitoring in this species. The consensus of the participants was that not
enough was known about transmission and pathogenicity of FIV at this time and
it is warranted to monitor sero-prevalence of FIV and diseases in the North
American SSP population. The recommendations of the workshop were incorporated
into the Cheetah SSP Five Year Action Plan.
|
|
Killmar_&_Grisham_1995_Cheetah_SSPs_Workshop_on_FIV_CIV_FIP.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kingdon J. 1977. Cheetah. In:
East African Mammals. New York: Academic Press; p 396-413.
|
|
Very ancient
association between humans and cheetahs are dated 2300 B.C. This association
began, because cheetahs are timid and extraordinarily effective and frequent
killers.Adult females are the least tolerant of all cheetah classes and are very seldom
seen together. Males or male coalitions occasionally attack other males.The stripes in the face seem to serve to emphasize expression.The usual number in a litter is three or four. The heaviest mortality occurs
when the young start to follow the mother.
Limiting factor on cheetah populations are very poorly understood. Interest in
conservation has highlighted the poor breeding record of cheetahs in most zoos.
In any event, the elusive cheetah remains a challenge to the naturalist.
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Kingdon_1977_Cheetah.pdf
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Kingdon J. 1990. Cats Felidae.
In: Arabian Mammals - A natural history. London: Academic Press; p 98-108.
|
|
The book chapter gives a
description of seven felid species of Arabia and of their former distribution.
Last, cheetahs occurred in low numbers in Ash Shamiyah, Al Widyan and Qurayyat
in the north and the Al Mahrah/Dhofar region in the south of Saudi Arabia.
|
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Kingdon_1990_Cats_Felidae_of_Arabia.pdf
|
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Kirkpatrick KM. 1953. A record
of the Cheetah in Chitoor District, Madras State. Journal of the Bombay Natural
History Society 50:931-2.
|
|
During the night of March 28/29, 1952, the author saw a cheetah
passing through the hilly section of the Madras State, India, between
Chandragiri and Puthalkonda, at about 1.30 a.m.
|
|
Kirkpatrick_1953_A_record_of_the_Cheetah_in_Chitoor_District_Madras_State.pdf
|
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|
|
Kisling VN. 1975. Cheetah
breeding program 8 p.
|
|
Cheetah breeding program in
Crandon Park Zoological Garden. In cooperation with a private cheetah owner,
the staff of the Crandon Park Zoo initiated a captive breeding program for the
cheetah in 1974. This report covers the progress of this program from its
inception in July 1974 until the end of March 1975. This is the first phase of
a continuing program. Considerable effort has gone into determining what
conditions are conducive to successful cheetah breeding. The field of what
seemed to be necessary conditions in the earlier programs has been narrowed
down by observations in the more recent programs.
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Kisling_1975_Cheetah_Breeding_Program.pdf
|
|
|
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Kitchener AC. 2000. Are cats
really solitary? Lutra 43(1):1-10.
|
|
Of the 37 or so wild species
of cats in the world most are regarded as solitary, secretive, non-social
mammals. However, at least two species, the lion and the domestic cat, may show
high degrees of sociality, and others, such as tigers, cheetahs and lynxes, may
form social groups in certain situations. This paper explores the ecological
and environmental constraints on cat sociality by focussing on the spectrum of
social group size displayed by lions and domestic cats in different parts of
their distributions. It also looks in detail at how cats communicate with each
other, mainly through scent marks. Perhaps the majority of cat species are not
solitary after all, but have instead a dispersed and flexible social system
which allows them to exploit efficiently the environmental and ecological
opportunities wherever they are found. Instead the term "solitary"
should probably be reserved for the hunting strategy of most cats and other
carnivores.
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Kitchener_2000_Are_cats_really_solitary.pdf
|
|
|
|
Knapp A. 2000. Cheetah lure
course at zoo New England. Cheetah News:10,
5.
|
|
A cheetah lure course was
established at zoo New England. It was an exhilarating success for animals,
staff, and zoo guests. However, like any behavioural or environmental animal
enrichment, we had to limit its use to preserve it as novelty for the cheetahs.
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Knapp_2000_Cheetah_lure_course_at_zoo_New_England.pdf
|
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|
|
Kornegay FA. Feline panorama: The Afro-Malagasy Region 5
p.
|
|
The recent sensation over the
possible existence of descendants of the extinct Cape lion in Ethiopia
highlights how little is known about the status of Africa's endangered cats and
related predators. With the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre and other outposts
such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund, southern Africa has firmly established
its leadership in efforts to save the cheetah from extinction. It is the
Asiatic cheetah that is problematic. Comparative research on this close to
extinct Asiatic subspecies with African Cheetah might further benefit the
survival of this unique cat.
|
|
Kornegay_-_Feline_panorama_-_Afro-Malagasy_Region.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kotze A, Ehlers
K, Cilliers DC, Grobler JP. 2008. The power of resolution
of microsatellite markers and assignment tests to
determine the geographic origin of cheetah (Acinonyx
jubatus) in Southern Africa. Mammalian Biology
73, 457-562.
|
|
Formerly found in
44 countries in Africa and Asia, cheetahs are currently
confined to fragmented populations in 29 African
countries, and remnant populations in Iran and Pakistan
(Marker 2002). In southern Africa, cheetahs are
at present found in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
and Zimbabwe. Trade in cheetah products and live
export of cheetah from Namibia and Botswana is stringently
controlled (CITES 1992). As a result, conservation
authorities are constantly aware of potential illegal
trade in cheetah over the Namibian and Botswana
borders with South Africa. Where foul-play is involved,
identification of source populations of confiscated
animals will require implementation of identification
techniques based on multilocus genotypes. Manel
et al. (2002) demonstrated that genetic methods
have high power of resolution to determine the geographic
origin of population samples for sufficiently differentiated
populations. Forensic science services for domesticated
animals are well established in South Africa and
have in recent years expanded to include game species,
marine fish stock identification and ornamental
fish (Grobler et al. 2005). In this paper, we describe
the power of resolution of microsatellite markers
and assignment tests to determine the geographic
origin of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) confiscated
in South Africa on suspicion of illegal import.
Cheetah was formerly thought to be genetically highly
monomorphic (presumably following a historic bottleneck),
based on allozyme data (O'Brien et al. 1983). Subsequent
studies (Menotti-Raymond and O'Brien 1993, 1995)
have revealed genetic heterogeneity for microsatellite
markers. This has been attributed to accumulated
variation since the hypothetical bottleneck, resultant
from the high mutation rates of microsatellite markers
(Hedrick 1996). The presence of a moderate level
of genetic diversity, comparable to other felids
for some markers (Menotti-Raymond and O'Brien 1993),
suggests that marker-based forensic identification
in cheetah is feasible.
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|
Kotze_et_al_2008_Genetic_determination_of_cheetah_origin_in_southern_Africa.pdf
|
|
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|
Kowalski K, Rzebik-Kowalska B.
1991. Mammals of Algeria. Wroclaw: Polish Academy of Science.
|
|
After describing the history
of mammalogical research in Algeria from antiquity to the colonial period, and
the evolution of mammal fauna from the Palaeocene to the Miocene, the book
proposes more detailed information for some species. In the 19th century the
cheetah populated probably all the territory of the Algerian Sahara. In the
20th century it was recorded regularly in the mountains of Central Sahara, where
it is present until today. It also appeared sometimes along the western border
of Algeria reaching the Saharan Atlas to the north. Reported sightings of this
period are resumed in a map.
|
|
Kowalski_&_Rzebik-Kowalska_1991_Mammals_of_Algeria.pdf
|
|
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Kraus D, Marker-Kraus L. 1991. The status of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) 26 p.
|
|
The status of the cheetah, Acinonyx
jubatus, varies widely in the 44 countries listed in this report, being
extinct in a few countries, nearly so in some, and endangered in most others.
Only in two or three countries, the cheetah populations are considered only
threatened, where they are legally eliminated if found to be in conflict with
human interests. All populations are regulated by CITES in Appendix I, which
regulates international trade. However, a few countries in the world have
lifted the ban and have allowed import of hunting trophies. Namibia is
exporting a limited number of wild caught animals for zoological and private
facilities.
|
|
Kraus_&_Marker-Kraus_1991_Status_of_the_cheetah.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kraus D, Marker-Kraus L. 1992. Cheetah preservation fund report. Cat News 17:12-4.
|
|
The Cheetah Preservation Fund was founded by Daniel Kraus and
Laurie Marker-Kraus in 1990. As the first international conservation program
solely established for the wild cheetah, its mission is to develop long-term
research and conservation efforts for the free-ranging cheetah. Namibia as the
base of operations was chosen firstly because it has the largest remaining
population of cheetah and secondly because it is the first country in the world
to include sustainable utilization of wildlife and protection of the
environment in its constitution. It is very important to stabilize its
population to ensure a relatively healthy gene pool for the future. Also,
virtually all cheetahs in captivity have come from Namibia, but it is not
self-sustaining and is supported through the import of wild cheetahs from
Namibia.
|
|
Kraus_&_Marker-Kraus_1992_Cheetah_Preservation_Fund_Report_CatNews_17.pdf
|
|
|
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Kraus D, Marker-Kraus L. 1992. Current status of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Washington, D.C.: NOAHS
Center, National Zoological Park; 20 pp.
|
|
The status of the cheetah,
Acinonyx jubatus, varies widely in the 44 countries listed in this report,
being extinct in a few countries, nearly so in some, and endangered in most.
Only in two or three countries are the cheetah populations such that they are
considered only threatened, where they are legally eliminated if found to be in
conflict with human interests. All populations are regulated by CITES as
Appendix I, which bans international commerce and sporting trophies. Namibia
has been exporting a limited number of wild caught animals for zoological and
private exhibition. At the January 1992 CITES meeting, quotas were set for
export of 150 animals from Namibia, 50 animals from Zimbabwe, and 5 animals
from Botswana. Information on distribution and status in the different
countries where cheetahs occur are presented.
|
|
Kraus_&_Marker-Kraus_1992_Current_status_of_the_cheetah.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kraus D. 1994. [Letter sent to
Karl Ammann]. Personal communication.
|
|
Kraus writes a view things
concerning successful reintroductions of endangered species with the goal of
long term viability. Reintroduction of cheetahs to India needs information and
details. Big areas and high prey numbers are needed for such kind of project.
|
|
Kraus_1994_Reintroduction_of_cheetahs_to_India.pdf
|
|
|
|
Krishnan GCD. 1986. A breeding
program for hunting cheetah. Zoo's Print:1,17.
|
|
Plans of a project to
reintroduce Cheetah to India. Cheetah is extinct or almost extinct in India and
it is necessary to start at once on a programme to captive maintenance,
breeding and reintroduction to suitable habitat areas. Cheetahs have been bred
only very rarely in captivity. It would seem that the most promising strategy
for reestablishment of the cheetah lies in protection of a colony in a natural
forest area. The area would have to be stocked with various ungulates, birds
and rodents before the cheetahs are introduced.
|
|
Krishnan_1986_A_breeding_program_for_hunting_cheetah.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kruuk H, Turner M. 1967.
Comparative notes on predation by lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog in the
Serengeti area, East Africa. Mammalia 31:1-27.
|
|
Lions, leopards, cheetahs and
wild dogs in the Serengeti area attack different prey size and use different
hunting techniques. The diet can change according to the individual (in
leopards) or sex (in lions). For lions, the number of hunted prey is a function
of their size, however this is not true for hyenas. Thomson's gazelle
represents the principal prey attacked by these predators, with the exception
of the lion that prefer wildebeests, for that it is responsible of only 1.2% of
its natural mortality.
|
|
Kruuk_&_Turner_-_Predation_in_the_Serengeti_area.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kuenkel R. 1978. Cheetahs -
Swift Cats of the Serengeti. Geo:1,94-110.
|
|
The author is writing his
story about studying cheetahs and what he experienced by accompanying a male
coalition of three cheetahs. Cheetahs are the fastest and excellent hunters,
but often lose their prey, stolen by other predators. They do not live in
prides and so have trouble defending their kills. Injuries would impair the
solitary cheetah's hunting ability.The slow death of the prey by choking is painful to watch, but the cheetah is
built lightly for high speeds and its jaws and jaw muscles are not strong
enough for the quick lethal bite.The author could observe a fight between his three cheetahs and other three
intruders. One was killed by the owner of the territory. And later they nearly
killed a cub who was entering the territory with its mother.Africa's inhabited areas are becoming smaller every year and the cheetah is
being driven out.
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|
Kuenkel_1978_Cheetahs_Swift_Cats_of_the_Serengeti.pdf
|
|
|
|
Kumar NS. 1996. The Cheetah
question. Hornbill:2,9.
|
|
The letter proposes an
interesting note on the cheetah, extracted from the Akbarnama, which is a
biographical account of Akbar - the ruler of the Mughal Empire in the 16th
century.
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|
Kumar_1996_Cheetah_question.pdf
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|
|
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Kunzel W, Probst A. 1999. Die anatomischen
Verhältnisse am Karpalgelenk des Geparden (Acinonyx jubaus), verglichen mit
jenen der Hauskatze (Felid catus). Anat Histol Embryol
28:177-82.
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Anatomical features of the
carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) compared to the domestic
cat (Felis catus). The anatomy of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx
jubatus) was examined in seven specimens using dissection and corrosion
casts as well as radiography, and compared to well-known data of the domestic
cat (Felis catus). It was found that in the cheetah, as in the domestic
cat, the intermedioradial, ulnar and accessory carpal bones, as well as the
first, second, third and fourth carpal bones and the sesamoid bone of the
abductor pollicis longus muscle, develop in a regular manner. The bones had a
similar shape and the ligamentous apparatus was comparable, the most striking
differences being the connection of all compartments of the joint cavity and
the mediocarpal joint, working as a screw joint. The syndesmosis between the
intermedioradial and ulnar carpal bones, instead of a synovial connection, is
another adaptation for stabilization of the carpus of the cheetah during
locomotion. The joint capsule is little spacious and in all three recesses can
be differentiated. The first extends proximally palmar the ulnar carpal bone
between the styloid process of the ulna and the accessory carpal bone, the
second also extends proximally mediopalmar of the intermedioradial bone, and
the largest third recess is located on the dorsal surface and extends
proximally, laterally to the inserting tendon of the extensor carpi radialis
muscle.
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Kunzel_&_Probst_1999_Die_anatomischen_Verhaeltnisse_am_Karpalgelenk.pdf
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Kurtén B. 1968. The Giant
Cheetah, Acinonyx pardinensis. In Pleistocene Mammals of Europe. Chicago,
Illinois. Aldine Publishing Company; pp. 88-90.
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The giant cheetah, Acinonyx
pardinensis, equal in size to a modern lion, is known mainly from the
Villafranchian, although it did survive in the early Middle Pleistocene, when
it was clearly common in Europe, as well as in India and China. During this
period, the giant cheetah was gradually reduced in size, approaching the living
species closely enough to be classified within Acinonyx jubatus. Its
presence in southern and central Europe during the Villafranchian, indicates
that extensive grasslands were available even during the forest episodes.
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Kurten_1968_The_giant_cheetah_in_Europe.pdf
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Kurtén B, Anderson E. 1980. Jaguar, Panthera onca. Studer's Cheetah, Acionyx studeri. American Cheetah, Acinonyx trumani.Lake Cat, Felis lacustris. Ocelot, Felis pardalis.River Cat, Felis amnicola.Jaguarundi, Felis yagouaroundi. In: Pleistocene Mammals of North
America. New York: Columbia University Press; p 192-195.
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The genus Acinonyx, was long thought to be endemic to the
Old World. However, still under way, it was found that at least two North
American species should be referred to this genus. In the Old World, the first Acinonyx
appear at the beginning of the Villafranchian. It is possible that a common
ancestor lived in North America in Hemphillian times. The Studer's cheetah (Acinonyx
studeri) is a large form, close to the Old World Acinonyx pardinensis
in size. The American cheetah (Acinonyx trumani) evidently descended
from Acinonyx studeri, from which it differs mainly in its smaller size.
A similar reduction may be observed in Old World cheetahs. The mode of life of
the American species probably resembled that of the living cheetah.
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Kurten_&_Anderson_1980_Pleistocene_cats_of_North_America.pdf
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