Most cheetah studies have been confined to mesic savannahs, yet much of its distribution range covers arid systems. The prime objective in this study was to examine the species’ adaptations to an arid region, to compare the results with those from other cheetah studies, especially from the Serengeti, and to analyse the data within the framework of carnivore population and behavioural ecology. The study was conducted in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park South Africa/Botswana, an area receiving 180–250 mm rainfall per year. Tracking spoor with the help of Bushmen trackers and continuous follows of 21 VHF radio-collared cheetahs were the main study methods used. These were supported by photographic records for individual identification, DNA studies for genetic aspects including paternity, and the use of doubly labelled water and the fitting of miniature data loggers for energetic studies. The statistical tests used to analyse the data are described.
Primates and conservation priorities in Madagascar