Wacher T, de Smet K, Belbachir F, Belbachir-Bazi A, Fellous A, Belghoul M, Marker L. 2005. Sahelo–Saharan Interest Group Wildlife Surveys. Central Ahaggar Mountains
(March 2005) SSIG; 39 p.

This report summarizes results of a gazelle and cheetah survey of the central zone of the Ahaggar National Park,  7 - 23 March, 2005. The objective was to conduct a wildlife reconnaissance survey of little visited areas focusing simultaneously on distribution and relative abundance of cheetah and their prey base, particularly gazelles. A total of 15 species of mammal were seen or detected by tracks and signs. No cheetahs were seen, but fresh evidence of their presence was widely found. Local people mentioned that they considered cheetah a problem to camels, but not so much to small stock which are protected by herding and guard dogs. The report concludes that there is good evidence that the Ahaggar continues to support an internationally important population of desert adapted cheetah. No estimates of population size can be made on present data. An adequate prey base with dorcas gazelles, barbary sheep, hares and feral donkeys besides livestock is provided. Training in field survey techniques for Algerian counterparts have been initiated.

Wacher_et_al_2005_Wildlife_survey_in_the_central_Ahaggar_Mountains_English.pdf;
Wacher_et_al_2005_Wildlife_survey_in_the_central_Ahaggar_Mountains_French.pdf

Wachter B, Jauernig O, Breitenmoser U. 2006. Determination of prey hair in faeces of free-ranging Namibian cheetahs with a simple method 639. Cat News 44:8-9.

As it is difficult to directly assess the diet of farmland cheetahs due to their extremely shy behaviour and the small chance of finding fresh prey carcasses, we assessed the diet of cheetahs on Namibian farmland by applying a simple method originally devised for police forensic science. The method is based on the unique imprint of hair from different prey species in cheetah faeces.

Wachter_et_al_2006_Determination_of_prey_hair_in_faeces_of_cheetahs.pdf

Re-introduction programs rely on reproductively sound individuals and high offspring survival once captively bred species are released into their natural habitat. Some species involved in captive breeding programs reproduce poorly: one prominent example is the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Here we use the cheetah as a case study to test predictions from all current hypotheses explaining this phenomenon by monitoring postemergence cub survival and assessing the reproductive status of free-ranging and captive female cheetahs in Namibia with ultrasonography. We show that reproductive activity and health of cheetah females is determined by reproductive history and age rather than innate rhythms, captive stress, or lack of genetic diversity, and that postemergence cub survival under natural conditions in a predator-free habitat is high. Our results suggest that management practices of captive breeding and re-introduction programs should encourage early  reproduction in females to induce long-lasting and healthy reproductive performance. With this practice, re-introduction projects might increase their chances of success.

Wachter_et_al_2011_The_cheetah_controversy_revisited.pdf

Walker C. 1978. Cheetah dilemma. African Wildlife, 22.

Even in historical times, cheetah have never been abundant in South Africa. Former studies estimated that there were probably 700 left - 100 in Natal protected areas; 250 in the Kruger Park; 150 in the Kalahari Gemsbok Park, and perhaps 200 elsewhere. However, the threat to the cheetah comes not from its decline in protected areas, nor its inability to breed in captivity. It is in danger because it is incompatible with human activities, it is not sufficiently protected, and trade in skins is not yet at an end.

Walker_1978_Cheetah_dilemma.pdf

Walker C. 1984. Status of cats in Southern Africa. Proceedings of the Cat Specialist Group meeting in Kanha, India, April 1984. pp. 20-21.

Information on leopard and cheetah in Southern Africa is presented, as well as on fur trade and general conservation aspects.

Walker_1984_Status_of_Cats_in_Southern_Africa.pdf

Walker C. 1987. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Waterberg mountains North Western Transvaal. Report, 2 p.

During may 1987, a legal leopard hunter killed accidentally a cheetah in the Waterberg mountains, in the North West Transvaal, South Africa, an area where it was not know that the species occurred. However, it seems like that at least five cheetahs existed in the surrounding plateau.

Walker_1987_Cheetah_in_the_Waterberg_Mountains.pdf

Walker S. 1984. The zoos are lonely dark and deep. The Times.

In Indian zoos today hardly any effort is being made to preserve the species despite encouragement and even pleading from the Central governmental agencies and individuals.

Walker_1984_The_Zoos_are_Lonely_Dark_and_Deep.pdf

Walker S. 1986. Cheetahs, now and then. Zoo's Print:18-21.

15 years ago, only two zoos in the world had been successful in breeding this exotic cat. Even today captive cheetah births are cause for excitement although a number of zoos have now bred them.

Walker_1986_Cheetahs_Now_and_Then.pdf

Walker S. 1987. Mother cheetah. unknown;1.

Article about Laurie Marker: Although she had worked with animals most of her life, when Laurie Marker landed a job at Winston Wildlife Safari as keeper of the goat yard, she never thought she might turn into a mother cheetah. But that is what happened.

Walker_1987_Mother_Cheetah.pdf

Walker S. 1988. Save the cheetah. The Indian Post.

Sally Walker describes the efforts of people at Winston Wildlife Safari Park in Oregon, USA, who are involved in a struggling conservation project attempting to promote captive cheetah breeding and the rehabilitation of birds of prey.

Walker_1988_Save_The_Cheetah.pdf

Walker S. 1989. Preliminary Report of Z.O.O. Felid 3(3):1-3.

A CATS survey. Although the CATS fund was started primarily for conservation of cheetahs, the organization is interested in all cats. The preliminary questionnaire consisted of five questions about cheetahs and ten species of India lesser cats. A summary of the data collected to data is given in the Tables 1&2. Zoos that would like to match up singles or over represented sexes may be interested in the information in Table 1.

Walker_1989_Preliminary_Report_of_Z_O_O.pdf

Walls J. 2006. Zookeeper Internships at the Cheehtah Conservation Fund. Animal Keeper's Forum:107.

Zookeeper Internships at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Background of the Cheetah Conservation Fund CCF and description of work as a Volunteer. To qualify for a zookeeper internship, you must be a fulltime, experienced zookeeper.

Walls_2006_ Zookeeper_Internships_at_the_Cheetah_Conservation_Fund.pdf

This study offers a guideline for the partial antagonism of tiletamine-zolazepam (T-Z) anaesthesia in cheetahs and evaluates the possible differences between the two benzodiazepine antagonists flumazenil and sarmazenil in the species. Four cheetahs were anaesthetized 3 times at an interval of 14 days with an average i.m. dose of 4,2 mg/kg T-Z. In trials 2 and 3 Flumazenil at 31 ug/kg and Sarmazenil at 0,1 mg/kg respectively were applied i.m. 30 min after initial T-Z application. When comparing the duration and recovery from anaesthesia a highly significant difference could be established between T-Z- with and without antagonist. No significant difference could be determined between the two antagonists. The authors generally advocate caution when benzodiazepine antagonists with a novel species.

Walzer_&_Huber_1999_Comparison_of_two_benzodiazepine_antagonists_in_cheetah.pdf

Walzer C, Huber C. 2002. Partial antagonism of tiletamine-zolazepam anesthesia in Cheetah. J Wildl Dis 38(2):468-72.

This study evaluated partial antagonism of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) anesthesia in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and differences between two benzodiazepine antagonists, flumazenil and sarmazenil, in this species. Four cheetahs were anesthetized three times at an interval of 14 days with an average intramuscular dose of 4.2 mg/kg TZ. In trials 2 and 3 flumazenil at 0.031 mg/kg and sarmazenil at 0.1 mg/kg, respectively, were applied intramuscularly 30 min after initial TZ injection. There was a highly significant difference between the duration of TZ anesthesia with and without antagonist. Use of the antagonists significantly shortened duration and recovery and eliminated excitatory behavior during the recovery phase. No significant differences could be determined between the two antagonists. We recommend the use of sarmazenil and flumazenil to antagonize TZ anesthesia in cheetahs.

Walzer_&_Huber_2002_Partial_antagonism_of_Zoletil_anesthesia_in_cheetah.pdf

Environmental or behavioural enrichment have in recent years become household terms within the zoo community. This paper summarises the strategies developed and implemented for felids in the Salzburg Zoo. In all felid species it was possible to increase the daily activity budget and induce novel previously not observed behavioural patterns. Within the described strategies two are to be considered particularly successful: scatter feeding in all species and the provision of live fish as prey to the jaguars.

Walzer_1997_Enrichment_strategies_for_felids_at_Salzburg_zoo.pdf

This paper describes a nerval disease of cheetah cubs which is characterised by acute onset of hind limb ataxia-paresis. The clinical presentation, serological and pathological findings in three different clusters during the 1995 – 1997 period are examined. The authors suggest a possible viral etiology: ataxia progression was inhibited by the application of the anti herpes drug (Acyclovir) and prednisolon. A oronasal FHV-1 infection may trigger an immunologic process leading to ataxia with myelin destruction.

Walzer_et_al_1998_Acute_hind_limb_paresis_in_cheetah_cubs.pdf

Walzer C, Url A, Robert N, Kübber-Heiss A, Nowotny N, Schmidt P. 2003. Idiopathic acute onset myelopathy in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 34(1):36-46.

Numerous cases of ataxia, hind limb paresis, and paralysis have occurred in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs over the past 10 yr within the European Endangered Species Program population, including 12 in mainland Europe, two in the British Isles, one in Namibia, and one in Dubai. The condition is the most important medical factor limiting European cheetah population growth. Eight cubs at the Salzburg Zoo, Austria, were affected. They demonstrated upper motor neuron lesions when alive und bilateral, symmetrical myelin degeneration of the spinal cord on necropsy. Ballooning of myelin sheaths surrounded mostly preserved axons, and no spheroids, characteristics of acute axonal degeneration, were found. Myelin loss markedly exceed axonal degeneration. The syndrome's etiology is unclear, although viral, bacterial, parasitic, genetic, nutritional-metabolic, toxic, and physical causes have been considered.

Walzer_et_al_2003_Idiopathic_acute_onset_myelopathy_in_cheetah_cubs.pdf

Wassif K. 1995. Felidae in Egypt. In: Guide to Mammals of Natural Protectorates in Egypt. Kairo: Department of Natural Protectorates.

Arabic guide to mammals of natural protectorates in Egypt.

Wassif_1995_Felidae_in_Egypt.pdf

Wayne RK, Modi WS, O'Brien SJ. 1986. Morphological variability and asymmetry in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a genetically uniform species. Evolution 40(1):78-85.

The African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an unusual species because of its extremely low amount of biochemical genetic variation. A comparative analysis of morphological variation of 16 cranial characters from four species of Felidae (ocelot, Leopardus pardalus; margay, L. wiedii; leopard, Panthera pardus ; and cheetah) was undertaken to evaluate the consequence of biochemical monomorphism on morphological variation. The species were selected because the cheetah has been shown previously to possess extremely low amounts of biochemical genetic variation as opposed to the other three species which retain comparatively high levels of allozyme heterozygosity. The cheetah sample showed dramatically greater fluctuating asymmetry but was not outstanding in morphological variability. Elevated levels of fluctuating asymmetry have been interpreted as a reflection of developmental instability, which is a common consequence of inbreeding. The inverse correlation of genetic variation and developmental stability (homeostasis) observed here fulfils prior expectations and further emphasizes the genetic invariability of the cheetah.

Wayne_et_al_1986_Morphological_variability_in_cheetahs.pdf

Weidehase B. 1994. Cheetahs help air safety. Cat News 21:16.

The Air Force Base in the north-eastern Transvaal region of South Africa is situated within bushveld terrain where quite a large variety of smaller game can be found wandering onto the landing strips. This has become a serious safety hazard with various incidents recorded over the last couple of years of aeroplanes being involved in collisions – or near collisions – especially with impala, duiker and warthog. During June 1993 relocation of radio-collared cheetahs from the Hoedspruit Cheetah Breeding and Research Centre were relocated to the security area of the nearby Air Force Base in order to hunt down game on the runway. The cheetahs in this ecological experiment are to be instrumental and vital to promote flight safety and keep small game numbers in check.

Weidhase_1994_Cheetahs_help_air_safety_CatNews_21.pdf

Wells S. 1993. Cheetah tail identification system. In: International Cheetah Studbook 1993 (K5).

A system to identify and describe cheetah's individuals by their tail pattern.

Wells_1993_Cheetah_tail_identification_system.pdf

Whyte J. 1986. Cheetah under fire. Zimbabwe Wildlife:17-19.

The world's cheetah population is estimated at around 2500, but we have very few detailed past records of cheetah numbers in Zimbabwe. Today's distribution records are based mainly on sightings that show they are generally restricted to the less-developed, extensive ranching areas of Zimbabwe, namely the south and west of the country, with three apparent main concentrations: in Midlands, in Hwange and Matetsi, and in the southeast lowveld. However, sightings have recently been recorded from the Chete, Chewore, Mana Pools and Chisarira areas. In 1978 the IUCN Red Data Book gave Zimbabwe a cheetah population of 400, however, by 1985 it was thought that the national cheetah population was more likely to be up around the 500 mark. From these figures it is easy to see that many of Zimbabwe's cheetah are not in protected wildlife areas and this raises serious questions about their future.

Whyte_1986_Cheetah_under_fire.pdf

Wielebnowski N. 1996. Reassessing the relationship between juvenile mortality and genetic monomorphorism in captive cheetahs. Zoo Biology 15:353-69.

Low levels of genetic heterozygosity are commonly considered a major threat to the survival of wild and captive populations. However, intense focus on genetic issues may obscure the importance of extrinsic factors influencing species' survival in wild and captive environments. A key example for this is the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), which is frequently cited as suffering from unusually high juvenile mortality and decreased fecundity in captivity due to genetic monomorphism at the species level. It has also been suggested that as a consequence of such extreme homozygosity, juvenile mortality rates of young from related vs. unrelated parents would not be expected to differ significantly. However, examination of current studbook data and breeding records of the North American captive population showed that juvenile mortality of young from related parents was significantly higher than that of young from unrelated parents, largely as a result of intrinsic causes, such as stillbirths and congenital defects, that may have a genetic basis. This indicates that in spite of the cheetah's homozygosity, effects of further inbreeding depression may still occur in the captive population, and deleterious recessive alleles are being segregated. Furthermore, juvenile mortality has declined over time and differs significantly among facilities, even when only young from unrelated parents are considered, suggesting that differences in management practices may be largely responsible for observed changes in mortality rate. Contrary to previous reports, cheetah juvenile mortality is not unusually high when compared to other captive-bred felids. In addition, cheetahs were found to have consistently higher litter sizes and the highest average number of surviving cubs per litter when compared to other captive-bred felid species. These findings cast doubt on the significance of overall homozygosity in this species for its juvenile survival and breeding performance and emphasize the key role of management practice in promoting breeding of endangered species.

Wielebnowski_1996_Juvenile_Mortality_in_Captive_Cheetahs.pdf

Wielebnowski NC, Ziegler K, Wildt DE, Lukas J, Brown JL. 2002. Impact of social management on reproductive, adrenal and behavioural activity in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Animal Conservation 5(4):291-301.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) held ex situ can provide an important resource for obtaining new biological information that usually cannot be gleaned from free-living individuals. However, consistent captive propagation of the cheetah, a prerequisite for establishing a self-sustaining population, has not been accomplished so far. This study examined the effect of a husbandry regimen commonly used in ex situ facilities on female cheetahs. Although generally solitary in the wild, zoos frequently house cheetahs in pairs or groups. Using non-invasive hormone monitoring and quantitative behavioural observations, we studied the impact of such enforced social conditions on behaviour and ovarian/adrenal activity. Eight female cheetahs were evaluated for two consecutive 6-month periods, first while maintained in pairs and then as individuals. Subsequently four females were regrouped into two new pairs and monitored for another 6 months. Females in five of six pairings demonstrated prolonged anoestrus and displayed agonistic behaviours. After pair separation all females rapidly resumed oestrous cyclicity. Females in the sixth pair continued cycling throughout the year while consistently displaying affiliative grooming and no agonistic behaviours. Faecal corticoid patterns varied significantly among individuals, but appeared unrelated to behavioural or ovarian hormone patterns. Thus, data appear to indicate that same-sex pair-maintenance of behaviourally incompatible female cheetahs may lead to suppressed ovarian cyclicity. This suppression appears linked to agonistic behaviours but not to any particular adrenal hormone excretion pattern. Results clearly demonstrate the value of applying knowledge about in situ social behaviour to ex situ management practices. Conversely, however, non-invasive hormone monitoring conducted ex situ may help us to identify physiological phenomena of potential relevance for future in situ studies.

Wielebnowski_et_al_2002_Reproductive_suppression_in_the_cheetah.pdf

Wildt DE, Bush M, Howard JG, Meltzer DG, Van Dyk A, Ebedes H, Brand DJ.  Reproductive traits in the male south African cheetah. Ref Type: Unpublished Work

The purpose of the study has been to evaluate and compare reproductive traits in established populations of male Transvaal, South West or hybrid (Transvaal X South West) cheetahs maintained under two captive managements. We have determined that a great proportion of cheetah spermatozoa collected by electroejaculation are morphological abnormal. Furthermore we observed no major differences in reproductive traits based on a comparison of the Transvaal, South West or factor alone. However, a greater proportion of male cheetahs allowed free range with females in a large territorial enclosure produce ejaculates which tend to be of greater quality compared to cheetahs continuously supported in small camps with only occasional female exposure.

Wildt_et_al_-_Reproductive_traits_in_the_male_south_African_cheetah.pdf

Wildt DE, Bush ME, Howard JG, O'Brien SJ, Meltzer DG, Van Dyk A, Ebedes H, Brand DJ. 1983. Unique semial quality in the South African cheetah and a comparative evaluation in the domestic cat. Biology of Reproduction 29:1019-25.

Analysis of 40 semen samples collected by electroejaculation from 18 cheetahs revealed no major differences in seminal traits among Transvaal, South West (Namibia) or hybrid (Transvaal X South West) males. However, mean spermatozoal concentration (1.45 X 10 ex6 spermatozoa/ml of ejaculate) and percent motility (54.0%) were less in cheetahs than in domestic cats (147.0 X 10 ex6 spermatozoa/ml of ejaculate, 77.0% motility) subjected to the same electroejaculation regimen. On the average, cheetah ejaculates contained 71.0% morphologically abnormal spermatozoa compared to 29.1% aberrant spermatozoal forms in the domestic cat. These results indicate that seminal characteristics in the cheetah are markedly inferior compared to the domestic cat, particularly with respect to the incidence of pleiomorphic spermatozoa. Because a recent parallel study demonstrates that the cheetah lacks genetic variation, it appears likely that speramtozoal abnormalities are a genetic consequence of genomic homozygosity characteristic of this endangered species.

Wildt_et_al_1983_Seminal_quality_in_the_cheetah_and_domestic_cat.pdf

Wildt DE, O'Brien SJ, Howard JG, Caro TM, Roelke ME, Brown JL, Bush ME. 1987. Similarity in ejaculate-endocrine characteristics in captive versus free-ranging cheetahs of two subspecies. Biology of Reproduction 36:351-60.

Ejaculate-endocrine characteristics were measured in 23 captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) in North American zoos and in 8 free-ranging cheetahs (A. j. raineyi) in eastern Africa (Tanzania). A standardized electroejaculation protocol was used, and numbers of motile spermatozoa were similar (p>0.05) between groups. Of the spermatozoa collected by electroejaculation, 70.6 +- 3.3% and 75.9 +- 4.4% were morphologically abnormal in the captive "North American" and in the free-ranging, eastern African populations, respectively. Adrenal activity, as measured by an acute, temporal rise and fall in serum cortisol levels during and after electroejculation, was no different (p>0.05) between groups. Although serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were less (p<0.05) in the free-ranging than in the captive animals, serum testosterone concentrations were similar. The data indicate that the comparatively poor reproductive performance of cheetahs maintained in zoological parks is not attributable to a captivity-induced response afflicting the male. Furthermore, there is no evidence that ejaculate/endocrine characteristics differ between the two subspecies. Because adrenal/gonadal activity and the number of pleiomorphic spermatozoa are similar between the test groups, the results suggest that spermatozoal diversity originates as a result of the extreme genetic monomorphism observed universally in the species.

Wildt_et_al_1987_Ejaculate-endocrine_traits_in_cheetahs.pdf

Wildt DE, Brown JL, Bush ME, Barone MA, Cooper KA, Grisham J, Howard JG. 1993. Reproductive status of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in North American zoos: the benefits for physiological surveys for strategic planning. Zoo Biology 12(1):45-80.

Under the mandate of a Species Survival Plan (SSP), reproductive status was assessed in 128 cheetahs maintained in 18 different institutions in North America. A mobile laboratory research team evaluated cheetahs using anaesthesia, serial blood sampling, electroejaculation (males), and laparoscopy (females). Biomaterials were also collected for parallel studies of genetics, nutrition, and health. There was no mortality, and cheetahs were capable of reproducing naturally after these intense manipulatory examinations. No marked differences were observed in reproductive or endocrine characteristics between proven and unproven breeders. However, males consistently produced teratospermic ejaculates, and cheetah sperm were compromised in conspecific or heterologous in vitro fertilization systems. Structurally abnormal sperm were found to be filtered by the oocyte's zona pellucida. More than 80% of the females were anatomically sound, but morphological and endocrine evidence suggested that ~50% or more of the population may have had inactive ovaries at the time of the examination. Males ranging in age from 15 to 182 months produced spermic ejaculates, but motile sperm numbers/ejaculate and circulating testosterone concentrations were highest in males 60 to 120 months old. Parovarian cysts were observed in 51.5% of female cheetahs, but comparisons between proven and unproven subpopulations revealed that this abnormality likely had no influence on fertility. Fresh luteal tissue not observed in any nonpregnant or nonlactating female, strongly suggesting that the cheetah is an induced ovulator. Overall survey results were discussed in the context of the etiology of reproductive inefficiency, especially with respect to the potential importance of biological versus management factors. Four high priority research areas in cheetah reproductive biology were identified:1) continuous monitoring of ejaculate quality in the extant population, while studying the impact of pleiomorphisms on fertility; 2) determining the potential relationship between libido and androgen production (excretion) in males; 3) confirming the extent of cyclic, or acyclic, ovarian activity in females; and 4) continued development of assisted reproductive techniques for enhancing management. In summary, a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional survey coordinated through the SSP is both possible and useful for generating a physiological and health database beneficial to driving further research and management initiatives.

Wildt_et_al_1993_Reproductive_status_of_cheetahs_in_North_American_zoos.pdf

Wildt DE, Grisham J. 1993. Basic research and the cheetah SSP program. Zoo Biology 12:3-4.

Throughout history, the cheetah has sustained the reputations for being difficult to propagate in captivity. In 1988, at its mid-years meeting in Kansas City, the SSP Committee mandated that all cheetahs in North America be designated as a research population and decided to implement and manage a systematic research program focusing upon basic reproduction, genetics, behaviour, nutrition, and disease.

Wildt_&_Grisham_1993_Cheetah_SSP_program.pdf

Wildt DE, Howard JG. 1993. Cheetah conservation - A plan to collect, store and use sperm from free-living cheetahs in Namibia, Africa National Zoological Park; 6 p.

Six cheetah pregnancies have recently been produced by artificial insemination. This success has been directly related to the tremendous cooperation provided by cooperating institutions in understanding the basic biology of the cheetah. On of the last big cheetah populations remains in Namibia. We plan to collect and freeze sperms of wild-caught Namibian cheetahs. The sperms will be imported into the US within the context of the Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP) to improve the American captive population.

Wildt_&_Howard_1993_A_plan_to_collect_store_use_sperm.pdf

Wildt DE, Bush ME, Howard JG, Grisham J, Kramer LW, O'Brien SJ. 1994. Summary Report - Health, genetics and reproductive physiology of Namibian cheetahs and the collection and storage of spermatozoa, blood and tissue. 10 p.

In February 1994, a multi-institutional, scientific team from the NOAHS Center, the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and the Columbus Zoo embarked upon a collaborative study with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia. The project was conducted in full cooperation with Namibian wildlife authorities and a host of Namibian veterinarians, scientists, teachers, students and local farmers. The purpose was to: (1) to develop a long-term, positive collaboration with Namibian wildlife officials and researchers; (2) characterise the clinical health, genetics and reproductive physiology of wild-caught Namibian cheetahs maintained in captivity while assisting the CCF in providing husbandry/management advice to managers holding cheetahs in captivity; (3) cryopreserve cheetah spermatozoa for import to be used in the North American Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP) propagation porogram; (4) provide lectures and 'hands-on' training to wildlife veterinarians interested in learning state-of-the-art techniques for inducing anesthesia and monitoring the health, genetics and reproductive status of cheetahs as well as other species; and (5) educate high school undergraduate university student into the importance of the cheetah as a natural resource and the usefulness of biotechnology as a tool in conservation biology.
This report briefly summarise our impressions and scientific findings to date. Obviously, much of the biological material remain in a raw state. Nonetheless, we already have collected and interpreted a substantial amount of information of interest, which is the heart of this report.

Wildt_et_al_1994_Health_genetics_and_reproductive_phisiology_of_Namibian_cheetah.pdf

Wildt DE, Bush ME, Howard JG, Grisham J, Kramer LW, O'Brien SJ. 1994. Individual animal summary reports - Health, genetics and reproductive physiology of Namibian cheetahs and the collection and storage of spermatozoa, blood and tissue 53 p.

Summary of the individual clinical analysis for the summary report about the Health, genetics and reproductive physiology of Namibian cheetahs. It include information on the history, housing, diet, health, anaesthesia, blood/tissue samples, gastrointestinal exam, reproductive evaluation and semen cryopreservation.

Wildt_et_al_1994_Health_and_genetics_of_Namibian_cheetah_individuals.pdf

Wilson RT. 1979. Wildlife in Southern Dafur, Sudan: Distribution and status at present and in the recent past. Mammalia 43(3):323-38.

In this comparison of the previous and current (1972 to 1977) status of large mammals in the Meridional Darfour (Republic of Sudan), only one cheetah observation dating from 1917 has been found, in the Tebella massif region north-west of the country and an aerial survey in 1976 has detected the cheetah occurrence in the same area, although it is very scarce. A young cheetah has also been reported at Nyala in 1948 before his expedition in Dublin zoo.

Dans cette comparaison du statut passé et actuel (1972 à 1977) des grands mammifères du Darfour méridional (République du Soudan), seule une observation de guépard datant de 1917 a pu être trouvé, dans la région du massif de Tebella au nord-ouest du pays et un survol aérien en 1976 a également détecté la présence d'un guépard dans cette zone, bien qu'il soit très rare. Un jeune guépard a également été rapporté à Nyala en 1948 avant son expédition au zoo de Dublin.

Wilson_1979_Wildlife_in_southern_Dafur_Sudan.pdf

Vilson VJ. 1984. Status of Felids in Zimbabwe. Proceedings of the Cat Specialist Group meeting in Kanha, India, April 1984,pp.  22-25.

Detailed information on the status of the cat species in Zimbabwe is presented.

Wilson_1984_Status_of_Felids_of_Zimbabwe.pdf

Wilson VJ. 1984. African Feline Breeding Centre. Proceedings of the Cat Specialist Group meeting in Kanha, India, April 1984,pp.  28-29.

Over the last seven years we have bred many felids in captivity - especially servals and caracals -and I believe that Chipangali could provide an excellent and unique opportunity for guest research workers. At the same time, field work could be conducted in one of the National Parks or other game areas and could be complementary to that done on captive animals". The captive breeding programme on felids at Chipangali continued to obtain good results and today (1984) the centre has very good breeding groups of servals, caracals, lions, leopards and other carnivores such as brown hyenas, mongooses, etc.

Wilson_1984_African_Feline_Breeding_Centre.pdf

Wilson VJ. 1988. Distribution and status of cheetah in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe: Chipangali Wildlife Trust; 28 p.

At a meeting of the Parks and Wildlife Board held in Harare in November 1985, the position of the cheetah as a predator of domestic livestock was discussed. There was also a suggestion that in some areas of Zimbabwe, cheetah numbers had increased considerably over the last few years and the species was now becoming a problem by preying on domestic livestock. A survey was started to adequately investigate the distribution and status of the cheetah in Zimbabwe.In some areas of Zimbabwe, and especially in the lowland cheetah numbers appear to be increasing and are becoming a real nuisance. A greater number of farmers are no longer prepared to have cheetah on their farms as they say that the species is of no economical value to them and many cheetah are killed illegally and buried. It was found to be almost impossible to give any accurate figures of cheetah numbers: estimations go between 470 to ca. 1000 animals. In order to face the problem of conflicts between the cheetah and the man, the author proposed the following recommendations: maintain the cheetah's status as a specially protected species, limit the hunting on license on a quota system, establish a cheetah breeding centre, set a special free area for cheetah, permit the shoot of cheetahs which are stock raiders, but do not allow safari hunting, and undertake a more detailed research on cheetah in the area. Two tables and three figures resumed the numbers of cheetahs seen in 61 ranches, the cheetah's distribution in Zimbabwe and sightings in the Hatetsi Parks and Wildlife complex, and the proposed cheetah research and hunting areas.

Wilson_1988_Distribution_and_status_of_cheetah_in_Zimbabwe.pdf

Wilson VJ. 1997. Biodiversity of Hwange National Park - Part I: Large Mammals and Carnivores Preliminary analysis report Chipangali Wildlife Trust & Dept of National Parks & Wildlife management; 233 p.

Over a two year period from August 1969 to June 1971 I carried out a detailed survey of the Mammals of the then Wankie National Park (now Hwange National Park). During the survey "Museum type" specimens were collected and detailed analysis was also undertaken on stomach contents, reproductive tracks etc. At the same time an estimate of the status of the large mammals was carried out and details of the approximate number of each species was included in the final publication. The distribution and status of many mammals species having changed considerably aver those 25 years, I started a new year survey on 1996. A few example follow. The elephant population has doubled, while the buffalo's one has halved. Lions, leopards and hyenas numbers have doubled, while cheetahs number have declined considerably, which is possibly due to increased numbers of the other large carnivores in the Park. Others species have increased while others have decreased and almost disappeared from the Park.

Wilson_1997_Biodiversity_of_Hwange_National_Park_Zimbabwe.pdf

Wilson_1997_Biodiversity_of_Hwange_National_Park_Zimbabwe_-_Results.pdf

Wittman BK. 1988. Proposal for 1988 study of cheetah mother cub interactions 2 p.

Wittman would like to initiate a study in South West Africa/Namibia on cheetah mother young interactions. The study will investigate factors that conibute to cheetah cub mortality form bith to three moths of age. Causes of mortality during this period are largely unknown. The study would also hope to investigate the direct action of stimulation on the young by the female.

Wittman_1988_Study_Of_Cheetah_Mother_Cub_Interactions.pdf

Woodroffe R. 2000. Predators and people: using human density to interpret declines of large carnivores. Animal Conservation 3:165-73.

The current extinction crisis is caused primarily by human impacts upon wild populations. Large carnivores are especially sensitive to human activity; because their requirements often conflict with those of local people, predators have been actively persecuted in most regions of the world. In this paper, the impact of people upon predators is analyzed by relating local carnivore extinctions to past and projected human population densities. There are strong associations between high human density and the loss of carnivore populations from a region. Interspecific variation in ability to survive at high human densities probably reflects species' ability to adapt to human-modified habitats. However, regional and temporal variation in individual species' sensitivity to human density is more likely to reflect the activities of local people than the phenotypes of local carnivores. Local culture, government policy and international trade all influence human attitudes to predators and, therefore, the impact of people upon carnivore populations. The importance of these factors may mean that extinction risks for carnivores will continue to increase, even though human population growth is projected to decelerate during the new millennium. This points to an urgent need for techniques to resolve conflicts between people and predators at either the local or landscape level.

Woodroffe_2000_Human_density_and_carnivore_declines.pdf

Wrogmann N. 1975. Cheetah under the sun - Appendix. In: Cheetah under the sun. p 127-140.

Appendix of "Cheetah under the sun" about the classification, geographical areas within which sub-species of the cheetah occur, weights and measurements, ecto- and endoparasites, chemical immobilization, list of births, number of litters born in captivity.

Wrogemann_1975_Cheetah_under_the_sun.pdf

WWF. 1986. Peronal Communication.

Enclosed a writing for her information about concerns of the Indian Cheetahs being native to India and fear that they may have been African Cheetahs imported for hunting purposes to India and then having turned wild. Reasons why this can't be true are listed.

WWF_1986_Letter_to_Laurie_Marker.pdf

Wykstra M. 2005. Cheetah Conservation Fund - Namibia to Kenya. Animal Keeper's Forum 32(7/8):386-9.

The main question, "Is there really a decline of cheetah in Kenya?" was the reason for initiating a CCF project in Kenya (CCF-K). While there have been reports of reduced sightings since 1990, we do not know how accurate past estimates have been as they have mainly focused on populations inside the National Parks and used calibration. In all previously documented studies it is estimated that as much as 90% of cheetahs live outside of protected parks and reserves. For this reason the CCF Kenya project was launched in December 2001.

Wykstra_2005_CCF_Namibia_to_Kenya.pdf