Open AccessSuccessful in situ supplementary feeding leads to the independence of orphaned cheetah cubs
Author(s) -
Warmenhove Carmen,
Canning Gregory,
DavidsonPhillips Samuel,
Merwe Vincent,
Burger André,
DavidsonPhillips Phillipa,
Naude Vincent N.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.353
Subject(s) - limiting , independence (probability theory) , geography , engineering , mathematics , statistics , mechanical engineering
Abstract Orphaned cheetah cubs are typically removed from the wild and placed in captive facilities limiting their rehabilitation potential and conservation value. After three orphaned cubs (±7.5 months) were discovered on Welgevonden Game Reserve, South Africa, they were fed in situ approximately every 5 days for 9 months. Supplementary feeding was reduced as the cubs began hunting and ceased when considered fully independent (16.5 months). This approach provides an alternative strategy for the management of orphaned cheetah.