| dc.description.abstract | The data used in this thesis are the results
of over 1600 hours observation of cheetahs in
Nairobi National Park, Kenya. During most, of the
study period, the resident population (11 animals)
consisted of three completely independent groups,
two families (a mother and cubs) and a pair of males,
but 21 different transients cheetahs were also observed.
All individuals were recognized by distinctive
facial spot patterns.
Data on sex ratios, composition of groups,
and productivity are presented: Cheetahs are
essentially diurnal and their activity patterns are
correlated with successful hunting during the day.
Various methods of communication are described
and mother-cub relations from birth to independence
of cubs documented. Play patterns of
cubs and their significance in the ontogeny of
hunting behaviour are considered. On the basis of
range overlap, scent and visual marking, and behaviour
between groups during encounters, it is
concluded tnat cheetahs are probably not territorial.
Interactions between family groups and males
frequently involve a high level of aggression.
Encounters between cheetahs and other carnivores
are described.
Predatory behaviour of cheetahs is discussed
at length. The overall rate of predation
success is 37%, but if juveniles are chased, it is
76%. Other factors influencing hunting and chasing
success are discussed. Chases against vulnerable
prey are initiated with little hesitation,
are most successful, and account for most of the
kills. The maximum size of prey normally killed
is 60 Kg. Most adult prey taken are from the
prime age classes and are in good health at the
time of capture. A total of 183 known cheetah
kills of 12 species was collected. Numbers of
the four main prey spec i.esvt aken , impala, (Aepyce.,
r.os melampus Lichtenstein) i. Grant's gazelle,
(Gazella granti Brooke) i Thomson's gazelle,
(Gazella thomsonii Gunther) i and hartebeest,
(Alcelaphus buselaphus (Pallas)) are compared
with Park populations of those species. Juveniles
of all species accounted for 54% of the
kills in contrast to their presence of approximately
20% in the living population. They are
therefore heavily selected. The estimated number
of prey individuals taken between June 1,
1968 and June 1, 1969 (640) is compared with the
total number of prey available to cheetahs during
that year. Cheetah predation is probably a
significant proximal factor limiting the
population size of the two gazelles and to a lesser
extent, impala. Trends in prey selection of
cheetahs in different areas of Africa are compared. | en |
