:: Kgalagadi Cheetah Project

:: Backround to the Project

The cheetah is a threatened species with a global IUCN classification of Vulnerable. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park contains one of the most important cheetah populations in the world, but little is known about this population. The overall aim of this 5 year project, which started in June 2006, is to identify the ecological role, behavioural adaptations, demographic parameters, conservation status and threats to the cheetah in the southern Kgalagadi ecosystem. The information gleaned will be used to devise a management strategy for the species in the area. The project will be funded by the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation who have pledged R1.5 million over 5 years. A MOU between SANParks and the TLLF has been signed in which SANParks have agreed to provide logistic support for the project and the co-operation of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Botswana has been obtained.. The study is focused along the Auob and Nossob river valleys and surrounding dune areas.

Demographics: Data on cheetah demographics is being collected through building up a photographic data base, using spot patterns to identify individuals. All cheetahs encountered during the study are photographed whenever possible and visitors to the KTP and other staff members are encouraged to also participate by providing photographs. Cheetahs are located mainly by employing the skills of San trackers who follow tracks in the sand until we catch up with the cheetahs.

Feeding Ecology: Observations on feeding habits are made by direct observation, tracking spoor and opportunistic observations of cheetahs on kills. In order to enhance the success of finding and following cheetahs certain individuals have been fitted with VHF radio collars, similar to those used in a number of other cheetah studies. Sex and age of prey is determined by examination of horns and teeth and condition by examination of femur bone marrow. Prey distribution and numbers are gleaned from routine aerial counts conducted by SANParks and DWNP staff, as well as by ground transects using the Distance Method.

Land tenure system: The movement patterns and home ranges of identified individuals are documented and mapped using GIS techniques. Again tracking spoor and direct observations of identified individuals is being used. Aerial tracking of radio-collared cheetahs as well as others fitted with GPS radio collars may also be used in the future.

Mating system, reproductive success and genetic status:  Genetic material is being collected from all individuals immobilised for radio collaring, or otherwise handled, as well as through drop-out biopsy darts and collection of fresh faeces. The data are being analysed in conjunction with the Serengeti Cheetah Project at the Institute for Zoology, London. Paternity, genetic relatedness and population genetic heterozygosity will be measured.

Limiting factors and mortality. Interactions with other large carnivores and their effects on cheetah population ecology are being studied through direct observations and spoor tracking, including spoor transects to document relative densities of large carnivores in different habitats and regions of the KTP. All cases of cheetah mortality are documented. These data together with all the other data collected as detailed above will be incorporated into a population viability model in order to measure the important limiting factors on the population and its long-term viability. Recommendations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population will be made.

:: Project Reports

Report 1 - Sept 06
Report 2 - March 07
Report 3 - August 07
Report 4 - Feb 08
Report 5 - July 08

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