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Location
Corpus Christi, TX
Start Date
9-4-2007 12:00 AM
Description
Conflict between humans and large carnivores is well documented in Africa, and is one of the chief causes of population declines seen in species such as lions (Panthera lea), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). While protected areas provide important refuges for many carnivores, species such as cheetahs cover large areas where protected areas are insufficient to maintain long-term viable populations across much of their range. Over the past century, the world's cheetah population has declined in both numbers and range due to habitat fragmentation, depletion of their natural prey base and the resultant conflict with humans for livestock and farmed game, and indiscriminate killings/removals. Although long-term studies have provided useful information regarding the ecology and biology of the cheetah, the real conservation challenge lies in a better understanding of human behavior and attitudes towards the cheetah and implementing conservation strategies across their range. This paper discusses novel approaches aimed at modifying human behavior including non-lethal predator control and incentives for conservation on private land. We present a long-term study of cheetahs living on Namibian farmland to explore these issues and to share information regarding effective conservation strategies. Although techniques used in Namibia would have to be refined depending on individual circumstances, lessons learned through this study have widespread applications in other places where conservation on private land is critical to the maintenance of viable populations of large carnivores and in those areas most critical for future cheetah conservation.
Recommended Citation
Marker, L. L., & Dickman, A. (2007). Conserving cheetahs on private land: Using the Namibian cheetah acinonyx jubatus jubatus as a case study. In Nolte, D.L., Arjo, W.M., & Stalman, D. (Eds.), The Twelfth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (4-15). Corpus Christi, TX: National Wildlife Research Center.
Included in
Conserving Cheetahs on Private Land: Using the Namibian Cheetah Acinonyx Jubatus Jubatus as a Case Study
Corpus Christi, TX
Conflict between humans and large carnivores is well documented in Africa, and is one of the chief causes of population declines seen in species such as lions (Panthera lea), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). While protected areas provide important refuges for many carnivores, species such as cheetahs cover large areas where protected areas are insufficient to maintain long-term viable populations across much of their range. Over the past century, the world's cheetah population has declined in both numbers and range due to habitat fragmentation, depletion of their natural prey base and the resultant conflict with humans for livestock and farmed game, and indiscriminate killings/removals. Although long-term studies have provided useful information regarding the ecology and biology of the cheetah, the real conservation challenge lies in a better understanding of human behavior and attitudes towards the cheetah and implementing conservation strategies across their range. This paper discusses novel approaches aimed at modifying human behavior including non-lethal predator control and incentives for conservation on private land. We present a long-term study of cheetahs living on Namibian farmland to explore these issues and to share information regarding effective conservation strategies. Although techniques used in Namibia would have to be refined depending on individual circumstances, lessons learned through this study have widespread applications in other places where conservation on private land is critical to the maintenance of viable populations of large carnivores and in those areas most critical for future cheetah conservation.