IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Farhadinia, M.S.; Akbari, H.; Mousavi, S.J.; Eslami, M.; Azizi, M.; Shokouhi, J.; Gholikhani, N.; Hosseini-Zavarei, F. | |
| Exceptionally long movements of the Asiatic cheetah_ Acinonyx jubatus venaticus_ across multiple arid reserves in central Iran | |
| 2013 Oryx (47): 427-430 | |
Understanding spatial ecology is essential for the development of effective and appropriate conservation strategies, especially for the Asiatic cheetah _Acinonyx jubatus venaticus_, which occurs at a low density across vast arid areas of Iran. Yet, despite its Critically Endangered status, information on the ranging and movement of this species was formerly lacking. Here we present data for exceptionally long movements of a few individuals across multiple reserves in central Iran, obtained using camera traps during 2009-2013. We identified an adult female who moved c. 150 km multiple times between two reserves in 3 years, covering an estimated 3,629 km2. After becoming independent her three sons formed a coalition and ranged across multiple reserves, covering an estimated 4,862 km2 in their first 3 years. An adult male was also found patrolling three reserves, moving up to 40 km across an estimated 807 km2. These data demonstrate that cheetahs in Iran cover vast ranges, and indicate a requirement for large, connected areas for the long-term conservation of this metapopulation. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |