Abstract
Large areas of Namibia are covered by farmland, which is also used by game and predator species. Because it can cause conflicts with farmers when predators, such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), hunt livestock, we assessed whether livestock constitutes a significant part of the cheetah diet by analysing the stable isotope composition of blood and tissue samples of cheetahs and their potential prey species. According to isotopic similarities, we defined three isotopic categories of potential prey: members of a C4 food web with high δ15N values (gemsbok, cattle, springhare and guinea fowl) and those with low δ15N values (hartebeest, warthog), and members of a C3 food web, namely browsers (eland, kudu, springbok, steenbok and scrub hare). We quantified the trophic discrimination of heavy isotopes in cheetah muscle in 9 captive individuals and measured an enrichment for 15N (3.2‰) but not for 13C in relation to food. We captured 53 free-ranging cheetahs of which 23 were members of groups. Cheetahs of the same group were isotopically distinct from members of other groups, indicating that group members shared their prey. Solitary males (n = 21) and males in a bachelor groups (n = 11) fed mostly on hartebeest and warthogs, followed by browsers in case of solitary males, and by grazers with high δ15N values in case of bachelor groups. Female cheetahs (n = 9) predominantly fed on browsers and used also hartebeest and warthogs. Mixing models suggested that the isotopic prey category that included cattle was only important, if at all, for males living in bachelor groups. Stable isotope analysis of fur, muscle, red blood cells and blood plasma in 9 free-ranging cheetahs identified most individuals as isotopic specialists, focussing on isotopically distinct prey categories as their food.
Highlights
Over past years, evidence has accumulated that local extirpation of top predators may have severe and unforeseen consequences for the structure and functioning of whole ecosystems [1,2,3]
Most large predator species have been eradicated in areas with anthropogenic influences such as African farmland which is used for intensive livestock and/or game production [6]
Even though Namibia hosts the largest population of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) worldwide [7], this population is threatened by farmers who perceive cheetahs as a threat to their animals [6]
Summary
Evidence has accumulated that local extirpation of top predators may have severe and unforeseen consequences for the structure and functioning of whole ecosystems [1,2,3]. Improved management strategies require a detailed knowledge about the trophic linkages between predators and their prey, because many top predators face an uncertain future in anthropogenic shaped ecosystems [4,5]. Most large predator species have been eradicated in areas with anthropogenic influences such as African farmland which is used for intensive livestock and/or game production [6]. Some farmers even preventively kill cheetahs when facing losses of livestock or game species important for trophy hunting [6,8]. From a conservation point of view, it is crucial to understand the diet of Namibian cheetahs and to assess whether livestock or large game constitute a significant part of their diet
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
