Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus)

[Acinonyx sp.]

Predation of montane deserts ungulates by Asiatic Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus in Central Iran

Abstract. 
The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), has disappeared in major parts of its mountainous habitats in west Asia.
Asiatic cheetah is  a critically endangered subspecies currently  found only  in central  Iran. In this study, the  feeding habits of Asiatic
cheetah was investigated in two reserves in central  Iran. Diet and  prey selection of cheetah were assessed using two biomass models
along with Jacob’s selectivity index. We found no significant difference between biomass consumption based on each model between
the reserves or between models inside each reserve. Over 90 % of species diet was composed of three medium-sized ungulates (i.e. 15-
40 kg): wild sheep, wild goat and chinkara. Hares and other small mammals (less than 15 kg) made up the remainder of their diet. Asiatic
cheetahs mainly preyed on wild sheep (Ovis vignei) which composed more than 50 % of consumed biomass. Wild sheep was identified
as single staple prey, while chinkara (Gazella bennettii) was the most preferred prey despite its lower occurrence. Our study indicates
that wild sheep, wild goat and especially chinkara are critical for persistence of Asiatic cheetah and must be particularly considered in
conservation plans.




Comparative  assessment of the cheetah  predation on mammals

based on two available biomass calculation models.

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316839987_Predation_of_montane_deserts_ungulates_by_Asiatic_Cheetah_Acinonyx_jubatus_venaticus_in_Central_Iran Reply