Radloff FGT, du Toit JT. 2004. Large predators and their prey in a southern African savanna: a predator's size determines its prey size range. Journal of Applied Ecology 73:410-23.

1. A long-term (13-year) data set, based on > 4000 kills, was used to test whether a sympatric group of large predators adheres to the theoretical predictions that (1) mean prey body size and (2) prey diversity increase as functions of predator body size. 2. All kills observed by safari guides are documented routinely in Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, South Africa. We analysed these records for lion (Panthera leo , Linnaeus), leopard (Panthera pardus , Linnaeus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus, Schreber) and African wild dog (Lycaon pictus, Temminck). Males and females of the sexually dimorphic felid species were treated as functionally distinct predator types. Prey types were classified by species, sex and age class. 3. Prey profiles were compared among predator types in terms of richness and evenness to consider how both the range of prey types used and the dominance of particular prey types within each range may be influenced by predator size. No significant size-dependent relationships were found, so factors separate from or additional to body size must explain variation in prey diversity across sympatric predators. 4. A statistically strong relationship was found between mean prey mass and predator mass (r2= 0·86, P= 0·002), although pair-wise comparisons showed that most predators killed similar prey despite wide differences in predator size. Also, minimum prey mass was independent of predator mass while maximum prey mass was strongly dependent on predator mass (r2= 0·71, P= 0·017). The ecological significance is that larger predators do not specialize on larger prey, but exploit a wider range of prey sizes.

Radloff_&_du_Toit_2004_Large_predators_and_their_prey.pdf

Rabeil T, Beudels-Jamar R, Greth A. 2010. Antilopes Sahélo-Sahariennes Mission in Kellé and Termit - Tin Toumma, February 2010. Report CMS, FFEM, Sahara Conservation Fund, 22 pp.

The mission had two main objectives:• Start the ostrich project in Kellé with some representatives of the "commune" (the mayor and the arrondissement chief), the general secretary of the CENRK (Coopérative d'Exploitation des Ressources Naturelles du Koutous, owner of the ostriches and the ranch), the CEO of SCF (John Newby), the coordinator of the ASS project (Ibrahim Bello), the assistant director of the protected area department in Niger (Abdoulaye Hassane), the coordinator of environmental projects for the Peace Corps (Yacouba Sangaré) and the volunteer newly settled in Kellé for the project (Dylan Burruss). Other members of ASS project were present as well (Christian Noirard, technical assistant; Bokar Lemine, responsible of animation) and an engineer (Aboubacar Fofana) to assist with planning of the fence design.• The second objective was to observe the distribution of dama gazelles within the central block of Termit massif from camel-back or on foot. These methods were used so as to minimize disturbance to wildlife.During field work, several carnivores' tracks were identified: honey badger, African lynx, striped hyena and cheetah. Surveys by camel and on foot are appropriate for collecting information about cheetah, and several tracks were recorded during this mission, improving the knowledge of status of the elusive, enigmatic cheetah in Termit.

Rabeil_et_al_2010_Survey_of_Kelle_and_Termit.pdf

Raffaele P. 1999. The cheetah runs for its life. Reader's Digest.

The article describes the story of the establishment of Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia and how farmers gradually started to cooperate for the save of the cheetahs.

Raffaele_1999_The_cheetah_runs_for_its_life.pdf

Rangarajan M. 1998. The role of administration in extermination: fresh evidence on the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 95:328-32.

The effect of the cheetah's killing for rewards in India is examined. The analysis shows the major role played by the administrative policy in the extermination of cheetahs in British India in the 19^th and 20^th century. A list of 70 cheetahs killed for rewards is presented.

Rangarajan_1998_Fresh_evidence_of_cheetah_in_India.pdf

Ranjitsinh MK, Jhala YV. 1998. Assessing the Potential for Reintrodcing the Cheetah in India. Report, 180 pp.

Reintroductions of large carnivores have increasingly been recognised as a strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. The cheetah is the only large carnivore that has been extirpated, mainly by over-hunting in India in historical times. India now has the economic ability to consider restoring its lost natural heritage for ethical as well as ecological reasons. With this context, a consultative meeting of global experts was held at Gajner in September, 2009. A consensus was reached at this meeting for conducting a detailed survey in selected sites to explore the potential of reintroducing the cheetah in India. The Honourable Minister of Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh, mandated the Wildlife Institute of India and the Wildlife Trust of India with this task.

Ranjitsinh_&_Jhala_2010_Assessing_the_potential_for_reintroducing_cheetah_in_Iran.pdf

Rautenbach IL, Nel JAJ. 1987. Coexistance in transvaal carnivora. Bulletin of Carnegie Museum of Natural History 6:138-45.

How coexisting carnivore species avoid interspecific competition is examined by consideration of their more prominent physical and behavioral characteristics. An attempt is made to explain coexistence to the 33 Transvaal carnivore species. The behavioral characteristics, which are considered here in various combinations, are daily activity regimen, food preference, habitat preference, geographical distribution, and social structure. The mean species body weight as an indicator of the size of prey on which a carnivore exists is also incorporated. Eighty-two % of the carnivores are shown to form a trend ranging from a nocturnal/solitary mode of life to an entirely diurnal/gregarious existence.

Rautenbach_&_Nel_1987_Coexistance_in_Transvaal_Carnivora.pdf

Rawal R. 1986. Agile Sprinter. Zoo's Print 1(4):14-5.

Some notes about the occurence of the cheetah, historical dispersal, reasons why it became extinct in Asia and reasons for its decline. Short describtion about the exceptional speed and appropriate the very adapted body features.

Rawal_1986_Agile_Sprinter.pdf

Rawlins CGC. 1972. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in captivity. International Zoo Yearbook 12:119-20.

Details of cheetahs born in captivity up to Mai 1971. It is possible to suggest factors which are common to most or all of the births of cheetahs in captivity, and thus to indicate ways in which zoo management should proceed in order to achieve cheetah breeding.

Rawlins_1972_Cheetahs_in_Captivity.pdf

Ray JC, Hunter L, Zigouris J. 2005. Setting conservation and research priorities for larger African carnivores New York: Wildlife Conservation Society; Report nr 24. 216 p.

Our species-specific and geographic analyses of carnivore conservation on the African continent revealed a subset of species from our list of 20 carnivores that rose to the top in priority in terms of vulnerability and extent of threats. Most of these are currently benefiting from conservation and research based initiatives. However, there still remains a significant lack of research geared towards addressing conservation and management issues for all species in addition to a geographic bias towards East and southern Africa.
This section concludes with discussions of key recommendations for carnivore conservation on the African continent:
1) Improve range-wide knowledge on key species
2) Improve overall distributional knowledge
3) Focus conservation action and research on addressing threats
4) Refine tools for conservation planning outside protected areas
5) Develop models and methodologies for connecting carnivore populations
6) Work towards redressing the geographical bias towards carnivore research and conservation
7) Ground-truth carnivore "hotspots"
8) Focus carnivore conservation and monitoring efforts on practical "indicator" species
9) Improve knowledge on meso-carnivores
10) Coordinate research and conservation efforts to focus on carnivore guilds rather than single species

Ray_et_al_2005_Conservation_priorities_for_larger_African_carnivores.pdf

Regnier J. 1960. Les mammifères du Hoggar. Bulletin de Liaison Sahara 40:300-20.

According to the author, the number of cheetah ( Cynaïlurus jubatus, Zim) in the Ahaggar is pretty important. It would be relatively abundant in the Hoggar too, where its presence was reported between 1957 and 1960, but it would more abundant in the areas of the very south.

Selon l'auteur, le guépard (Cynaïlurus jubatus, Zim) existe en assez grand nombre dans l'Ahaggar. Il serait également relativement abondant au Hoggar où on a signalé sa présence entre 1957 et 1960, mais il serait plus abondant dans les régions de l'extrême sud.

Regnier_1960_Mammals_of_the_Hoggar_Algeria.pdf

Resnik M. 1988. Performing cheetah. Custos:28-29.

Pictures of cheetahs in Kruger Park. Unimpressed of the car two cheetahs started to play and chasing on another and came to rest under a tree.

Resnik_1988_Performing_Cheetah.pdf

Ringle K. The cheetah's race to survive-Laurie Marker-Kraus, helping the big cat cheat extinction. Washington Post;15-16.

If Laurie Marker-Kraus was not the only viticulturist in Oregon with her own cheetah, she certainly remains the only one who ever took a cheetah to Africa and taught it to hunt.

Ringle_-_The_cheetahs_race_to_survive.pdf

Ringle K. The cheetah's race to survive-Laurie Marker-Kraus, helping the big cat cheat extinction. Washington Post;15-16.

If Laurie Marker-Kraus was not the only viticulturist in Oregon with her own cheetah, she certainly remains the only one who ever took a cheetah to Africa and taught it to hunt.

Ringle_-_The_cheetahs_race_to_survive.pdf

Captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) worldwide suffer from a number of health problems rarely observed in free-ranging ones, and unusual in other species, especially felids. These include diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) as well as non-CNS diseases. Among the neurological diseases, the encephalo- myelopathy represents a serious threat to the European Endangered Species Plan (EEP) cheetah population, whereas the leucoencephalopathy affects only the Species Survival Plan (SSP) North-American population. Both are degenerative disorders of the CNS white matter, affecting the spinal cord or the cerebellum, respectively. Futhermore, several cases of feline spongiforme encephalopathy (FSE), a disease caused by a prion and considered to be related to the bovine spongiforme encephalopathy (BSE), have been diagnosed in captive cheetahs. Most of the FSE-affected cheetahs were born in the United Kingdom (UK) and probably were fed with infected bovine carcasses. Among the non-CNS diseases, lymphoplasmacytic gastritis associated with Helicobacter spp. is prevalent in captive cheetahs worldwide (Europe, North-America, South-Africa, Japan). Mild gastritis has also been diagnosed in free-ranging cheetahs. Another important disease in the captive cheetah population is glomerulosclerosis. Systemic AA amyloidosis affecting the kidneys, liver and other organs is also frequently diagnosed in all captive populations. There is a high correlation between amyloidosis and chronic gastritis and glomerulosclerosis. Oxalate nephrosis and pyelonephritis are other frequently diagnosed renal diseases. Veno-occlusive disease of the liver resulting in progressive liver failure is a frequent disease in the North-American population but not in the European and South-African populations. Myelolipoma are common lesions seen in the spleen, sometimes also in the liver, but are however clinically not relevant. Among the infectious diseases, the clinical feline herpes virus (FHV) infection is widespread in captive cheetahs and frequently causes conjunctivitis, rhinitis and chronic facial dermatitis. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP-caused by feline coronavirus [FCoV]) has been reported in cheetahs, but colitis caused by feline enteric corona virus (FECV) may deserve increased attention. Among parasites, in captive populations, massive infestation with Ascarid sp. is a common problem despite regular deworming. Pneumonia by lungworms (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus) has been reported. The primary cause of these unusual diseases is mostly unidentified and the reason for their high prevalence in captive cheetahs is unknown, but the low level of these disorders in free-ranging cheetahs suggests extrinsic causes as predisposing factors (Munson, 2005).

Robert_&_Walzer_2009_Pathological_disorders_in_captive_cheetahs.pdf

This article describes the infectious and non-infectious diseases in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), snow leopards (Panthera uncia), black-footed cats (Felis nigripes), lions (Panthera leo) and other captive and wild felids.

Robert_2009_Felid_diseases_review_and_literature_update.pdf

Captive cheetahs have larger adrenal cortices (adrenal hyperplasia) and higher level of fecal corticoids than free-ranging cheetahs, suggesting that chronic stress may contribute to many health problems of captive cheetahs  (Terio, 2004). Among the neurological diseases, the cheetah ataxia, caused by a degenerative spinal cord disorder affecting young and adult cheetahs, represents a serious threat for a sustainable captive cheetah population in Europe. Furthermore several cases of FSE have been diagnosed in European cheetahs. Although the disease has been reported in several large cat species, the relatively high incidence in cheetahs suggests that they may be more susceptible than other zoo felids. In North America, a neurological disease of undetermined aetiology and known as leucoencephalopathy has been reported in numerous adult cheetahs.

Robert_et_al_2006_Neurological_diseases_in_cheetah.pdf

Rodgers WA. 1984. State of Cats in Tanzania. Proceedings of the Cat Specialist Group in Kanha National Park, India, April 1984.  p. 17.

Tanzania has six species of wild cats, all widely distributed in Africa, lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, caracal, and wild cat.

Rodgers_1984_Status_of_Cats_in_Tanzania.pdf

Rosevear DR. 1974. Cheetah. In:Rosevear DR, editor. The Carnivores of West Africa. London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History); p 492-512.

In this book about the carnivores of West Africa, a very detailed description of the distribution, general characteristics, skull, habits (sociality, territorial behavior, diet, hunting behavior, speed, handling by humans, climbing capacity, mating behavior, development, and vocalization), taxonomy and measurements of the cheetah are described.

Dans ce livre sur les carnivores d'Afrique de l'ouest, une description très détaillée de la distribution, des caractéristiques générales, du crâne, des mœurs (socialité, comportement territorial, régime alimentaire, techniques de chasse, vitesse, utilisation par l'homme, capacités à grimper, comportement reproducteur, croissance et vocalisations), de la taxonomie et les mesures du guépard sont décrites.

Rosevear_1974_The_carnivores_of_West_Africa_-_Cheetah.pdf

Roth TL, Swanson WF, Blumer E, Wildt DE. 1995. Enhancing zona penetration by spermatozoa from a teraospermic species, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). The Journal of Experimental Zoology 271:323-30.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) produce poor quality ejaculates that can limit the efficiency of standard assisted reproduction including artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilization (lVF). The purpose of this study was to: (1) further study sperm-oocyte interaction in this teratospermic species by examining the ability of malformed sperm to interact with various oocyte barriers; and (2) assess the potential of zona piercing for assisting IVF in a teratospermic felid. Zonae of salt-stored (SS), domestic tat oocytes were mechanically pierced (ZnPd) three times each. Semen was collected by electroejaculation from six male cheetahs and ejaculates were processed for IVF. Sperm aliquots from each ejaculate were assessed for a sperm motility index (SMI) over time. Zona-intact (ZnIn-SS) oocytes (n = 78) and ZnPd-SS oocytes (n = 74) were coincubated with spermatozoa in vitro for 6 h. The proportion of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa per ejaculate was high for all males (range 81.5% to 95.9%). SMI values at 0 and 6 h were variable, ranging from 50 to 75 and 0 to 40, respectively. Spermatozoa from an ejaculates bound to and penetrated the outer zona pellucida of ZnIn-SS and ZnPd-SS oocytes similarly (P > 0.05), The proportion of oocytes containing spermatozoa within the inner zona layer and the average numbe of spermatozoa per oocyte in this region were greater (P < 0.05) for the ZnPd-SS than Znln-SS oocytes (39.2% and 1.0 versus 12.8% and 0.2, respectively). Although zona piercing enhanced sperm penetration, there was no increase (P > 0.05) in pleiomorphic spormatozoa penetrating the inner zona pellucida or PVS. Penetration of both ZnIn-SS and ZnPd-SS oocytes was positively correlated (P < 0.05; r = 0.91) with SMI at 6 h but not to the proportion of pleiomorphic spermatozoa ejaculated (P > 0.05). In summary, altering the integrity of the zona pellucida by creating artificial channels increases the number of cheetah spermatozoa entering the inner zona region, but not the PVS. This phenomenon occurs without increasing the number of pleiomorphic sperm entering the zona/oocyte interface, reinforcing the role of the zona pellucida, especially the inner region, as a powerful filter for malformed sperm.

Roth_et_al_1995_Enhancement_of_cheetah_sperm_penetration.pdf

Roure G. 1962. Le Guépard: Animaux sauvages de Côte d'Ivoire et du versant atlantique de l'Afrique intertropicale. In:Roure G, editor. Animaux sauvages de Côte d'Ivoire et de versant Atlantique de l'Afrique Intertropicale. Abidjan: Ministère de l'agriculture et de la coopération; p 67-68.

The cheetah is only occasionally observed in Bouna, in the very north of the country.

Le guépard est observé de manière occasionnelle à Bouna, au nord de la Côte d'Ivoire.

Roure_1962_Animals_of_the_Ivory_Coast_-_Cheetah.pdf

Rowe-Rowe DT. 1992. The carnivores of Natal Pietermaritzburg: Natal Parks Board.

Distribution maps and species accounts are presented for 32 indigenous carnivore species that have been recorded in Natal. Each species account deals with current distribution and former distribution where known, status, habitat preferences and living requirements, social organization, key life history features, threats, and importance to humans. Conservation importance is rated using a scoring system. Four species occur marginally in the extreme north-east, at the southernmost limit of their distribution (Canis adustus, Civettictis civetta, Paracynictis selousi, Helogale parvula) . Two species (Genetta genetta, Galerella pulverulenta) reach the easternmost limit of their distribution in the drier upland grassland of western Natal, and another two species typical of more arid regions (Otocyon megalotis, Felis nigripes) have been recorded only once in the drier grassland. Four species (Canis mesornelas, Genetta tigrina, Atilax paludinosus, lchneumia albicauda) occur throughout in all bioclimatic regions, and lctonyx striatus occurs in most regions. Vulpes charna, Cynictis penicillata, and Proteles cristatus occur mainly in drier upland grassland of the north-west. Four species (Poecilogale albinucha, Herpestes ichneumon, Felis serval, Felis lybica) are confined to moist midland and upland grasslands, as well as coastal grassland. Both Galeralla sanguinea and Mungos mungo occur throughout lowland woody vegetation, with the former extending into midland regions. Lycaon pictus (re-introduced) and Mellivora capensis are confined mainly to lowland bushveld regions. Two hyaenids (Hyaena brunnea, Crocuta crocuta) and three large felids (Acinonyx jubatus, Panthera pardus, P. leo) are confined almost exclusively to larger protected areas in bushveld. The two otters (Aonyx capensis, Lutra maculicollis) occur mainly along rivers and streams in the western highland areas. Felis caracal has shown greatest range extension during the past 20 years, currently present in all moist upland grassland areas. The most threatened species is Poecilogale albinucha : at risk owing to loss of habitat, use in traditional medicine, and predation by dogs. 'Other seriously threatened species are the two otters (habitat deterioration, catchment management), Felis lybica (hybridization with F. catus), and to a lesser extent F. serval (loss of habitat, human interference). For the larger species incompatible with human settlement (Crocuta crocuta, large felids), confined mainly to certain protected areas, population expansion is limited.

Rowe-Rowe_1992_The_carnivores_of_Natal.pdf

Rungwa-Kizigo Game Reserve. 1993.

As far back as 1956 no records on cheetahs in the Rungwa-Kizigo Game Reserve were found, but on several occasions in 1991/92 rangers on patrol have observed cheetahs.

Rungwa-Kizigo_Game_Reserve_1993_Sightings_of_Cheetah_in_Rungwa-Kisigo.pdf

Russell AP, Bryant HN. 2001. Claw retraction and protraction in Carnivora: the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) as an atypical felid. J Zool ,Lond 254:67-76.

The cheetah Acinonyx jubatus is the most cursorial felid and has been described as somewhat dog-like in both the shape and the diminished degree of retraction of the claws. In this study we evaluate and investigate the osteological correlates associated with claw retraction in the cheetah through a comparison of the morphology of its middle phalanges with those of other felids and of the wolf Canis lupus. Compared to other felids, the middle phalanges of the cheetah have better-developed grooving of the distal articulatory facets in both the manus and pes, reduced to absent angulation to the distal articulatory facets in the inner and outer digits, less marked asymmetry of the shaft, and a mid-shaft cross-section that is less triangular and more circular. In all of these features, the morphology of the cheetah is intermediate between that of other felids and that of the wolf. The cheetah's distinctive morphology is autapomorphic within Felidae and similarities between the cheetah and the wolf are the result of convergence. Study of an ontogenetic series of specimens of the domestic cat suggests that the morphology of the cheetah can be explained, at least in part, as a product of heterochrony in which the development of the middle phalanx is truncated at an earlier stage than is typical of the adults of other felids. Some of the morphological differences in the middle phalanges of the cheetah can be associated with its distinctive hunting behaviour. The reduced manipulative capabilities of the forelimb associated with the evolution of cursorial adaptations seem to have limited the roles of the forepaws in both the subduing of prey and feeding.

Russell_&_Bryant_2001_Reduced_claw_retraction_in_the_cheetah.pdf

Rustamov AK, Sopyev O. 1994. Mammals (27 species). In: Vertebrates in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. p 206-213.

In this chapter the status of 27 mammals of Turkmenistan is discussed. Today the cheetah can be considered extinct in Turkmenistan; even though some unconfirmed records indicate that single cheetahs still are present in the northwest but the existence of a viable population there is doubtful. Cheetahs were frequently found in Badghyz and Karabil until the late 1950s.

Rustamov_&_Sopyev_1994_Endangered_mammals_of_Turkmenistan.pdf