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1
Tingstrom, Daniel. "Cheetah: An Economical Distributed RAM Drive." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2006. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/323.
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Current hard drive technology shows a widening gap between the ability to store vast amounts of data and the ability to process. To overcome the problems of this secular trend, we explore the use of available distributed RAM resources to effectively replace a mechanical hard drive. The essential approach is a distributed Linux block device that spreads its blocks throughout spare RAM on a cluster and transfers blocks using network capacity. The presented solution is LAN-scalable, easy to deploy, and faster than a commodity hard drive. The specific driving problem is I/O intensive applications, particularly digital forensics. The prototype implementation is a Linux 2.4 kernel module, and connects to Unix based clients. It features an adaptive prefetching scheme that seizes future data blocks for each read request. We present experimental results based on generic benchmarks as well as digital forensic applications that demonstrate significant performance gains over commodity hard drives.
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Thalwitzer, Susanne [Verfasser]. "Reproductive activity in cheetah females, cub survival and health of male and female cheetahs on Namibian farmland / Susanne Thalwitzer." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2008. http://d-nb.info/1022653628/34.
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Café, Marçal Valéria. "Pathology and immunohistochemistry of Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) myelopathy /." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2006. http://www.stub.ch/index.php?p=1&i=645.
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Sasidharan-Priyadersini, Sooryakanth. "Genetic admixture, inbreeding and heritability estimates in captive African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) including linkage analysis for the King cheetah phenotype." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/25030.
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This multifaceted study primarily aimed at understanding the genetic make-up of captive versus wild cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations in South Africa, with a specific emphasis on a valuable gene pool of a recessive phenotype that is increasingly being maintained in captive population country-wide. The current literature on cheetah genetics has very little information on diversity levels of wild South African cheetahs, and no information on founder dynamics and genetic make-up of South African captive populations. Decisions on cheetah relocations are being made, implementing current conservation policy, from assumptions on origin and relatedness. This research compared population genetic parameters within the largest South African captive cheetah population to free-ranging Namibian and South African conspecifics. The study addressed concerns regarding excessive Namibian genetic introgression into the native captive population and established the extent of genetic variability and Namibian ancestry within the captive population. The study has attempted to address the rising concern among conservation officials with respect to illegal trade of wild-captured cheetahs, wild caught cheetahs that are sold as captive-bred after implanting a microchip. In addition to establishing routine parentage verification using genetic markers that are polymorphic in this species, this study established a technique powerful enough to estimate ancestry in cheetahs of unknown antecedents. The potential of spatial Bayesian clustering to differentiate the point of origin of unknown cheetahs was exploited and in addition, a database for future forensic efforts to address the problem of illegal trade was established. The captive population that was part of this dataset proved to be quite admixed, excepting for the King lineage which was distinct. The second aspect of this study investigated complex conditions such as development of gastritis, renal conditions and/or susceptibility to infections and its relation to pedigree and marker based inbreeding levels. Heritability values for important breeding traits were estimated from pedigree records of 532 cheetahs and are reported for the first time. Gastritis was weakly correlated to the expression of the King trait. Finally, a smaller cohort of the captive pedigree that segregates for a recessive colour variant called the King phenotype was tested for the assumption that the variation is a mutation of the tabby locus described in domestic cats. Genetic linkage analysis was done by testing microsatellite markers detected linked to Tabby for linkage to a conserved region in the cheetah that potentially codes for the King coat colour. Genetic linkage analysis was not detected between the King locus and the domestic cat microsatellite markers used for this study, with LOD scores remaining non-significant for all the markers.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Production Animal Studies
unrestricted
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Melzheimer, Jörg [Verfasser]. "Spatial ecology of free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and its applications to mitigate the farmer-cheetah conflict in Namibia / Jörg Melzheimer." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2021. http://d-nb.info/1224474953/34.
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Laver, Peter Norman. "Cheetah of the Serengeti Plains: A home range analysis." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/45981.
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Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) persist under continued conservation threat in small populations mostly in protected areas in an historically reduced geographic range. Home range, a useful trait for threat assessment, species reintroduction, and population estimation, is plastic in cheetah with sizes ranging from 40 km2 to over 1000 km2 depending on location. Previous home range estimates for cheetah used the minimum convex polygon (MCP), assuming asymptotic home ranges and MCP insensitivity to sample size. They reported metrics of home range size and overlap based on only outline methods. I use 6 481 observations of 240 female and 315 male cheetah from > 60 matrilines over 25 years in the Serengeti Plains to investigate lifetime, core, yearly, and seasonal range size with kernel density estimation. I investigate autocorrelation using time to statistical independence of locations. I confront the assumption of asymptotic home ranges by testing the traditional and multiscaled home range predictions and provide a novel method for determining kernel asymptotes. I challenge the notion of Serengeti cheetah as a migratory carnivore with analyses of site fidelity and objectively defined core ranges. I assess year to year and seasonal location shifts, showing that yearly shifting lessens as females age. I provide quantitative evidence for philopatry in female- and juvenile dispersal in male cheetah of the Serengeti Plains. I use simple overlap metrics to show that overlap in lifetime and core ranges is greater in related than unrelated female pairs. I use multi-response permutation procedures (MRPP) to show that overlap in unrelated female pairs varies with season. I use correlation of utilization distributions to show that avoidance is apparent only in unrelated pairs of females. My results call into question previous MCP estimates of cheetah home range size, and provide guidance for future sampling of cheetah locations. My home range results will guide management of this imperiled species and my methodological findings may be general and applicable to a wide range of taxa.Master of Science
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Patel, Amir. "Understanding the motions of the cheetah tail using robotics." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15677.
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The cheetah is capable of incredible feats of manoeuvrability. But, what is interesting about these manoeuvres is that they involve rapid swinging of the animal's lengthy tail. Despite this, very little is understood about the cheetah tail and its motion, with the common view being that it is "heavy" and possibly used as a "counter balance" or as a "rudder". In this dissertation, this subject is investigated by exploring the motions of the cheetah tail by means of mathematic al models, feedback control and novel robot platforms. Particularly, the motion in the roll axis is first investigated and it is determined that it assists stability of high speed turns. This is validated by modelling and experimental testing on a novel tailed robot, Dima I. Inspired by cheetah video observations, the tail motion in the pitch axis during rapid acceleration and braking manoeuvres is also investigated. Once again modelling and experimental testing on a tailed robot are performed and the tail is shown to stabilise rapid acceleration manoeuvres. Video observations also indicate the tail movement in the shape of a cone: a combination of pitching and yawing. Understanding this motion is done by setting up an optimization problem. Here, the optimal motion was found to be to a cone which results in a continuous torque on the body during a turn while galloping. A novel two degree of freedom tailed robot, Dima II, was then developed to experimentally validate the effect of this motion. Lastly, measurement of the cheetah tail inertia was performed during a routine necropsy where it was found to have lower inertia than assumed. However, the tail has thick, long fur that was tested in a wind tunnel. Here it was found that the furry tail is capable of producing significant drag forces without a weight penalty. Subsequently, mathematical models incorporating the aerodynamics of the tail were developed and these were used to demonstrate its effectiveness during manoeuvres.
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Clements, Hayley Susan. "Incorporating prey demographics and predator social structure into prey selection and carrying capacity estimates for cheetah." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018606.
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There is a need for a refined understanding of large carnivore prey preference and carrying capacity (K). To date, K estimates for large carnivores have been developed from predictions of carnivore diet at a prey and predator species-level. These predictions therefore assume that all social classes within a carnivore species display similar prey preferences and that all demographic classes within a prey species are equally preferred or avoided. The objective of this study was to investigate the importance of including prey demographics and carnivore social class in carnivore diet descriptions and thereby K estimates, using cheetah Acinonyx jubatus as a study species. It was predicted that prey sex, prey age and cheetah social class influence cheetah prey preferences, when they influence the risk and ease of prey capture, and that their inclusion in a K model would improve its predictive strength. Based on an analysis of 1290 kills from South Africa, male coalition cheetah were found to prefer a broader weight range of prey than solitary cheetah. Prey demographics further influenced cheetah prey preference, when it corresponded to differences in prey size and the presence of horns. The current species-level K regression model for cheetah is based on preferred prey and thus omits highly abundant antelope that often comprise the majority of the diet, an artefact of the way in which preferences are calculated. A refinement of the species-level K regression model, to account for prey demographic- and cheetah social class-level differences in diet and the biomass of accessible prey (defined in this study as all non-avoided prey) instead of just preferred prey, doubled the predictive strength of the K model. Because group-hunting enabled predation on a broader weight range of prey, cheetah K was influenced by the ratio of male coalition cheetah to solitary cheetah in the population. The refined K regression model is derived from ecosystems supporting an intact carnivore guild. A mechanistic approach to estimating K, based on Caughley‟s (1977) maximum sustainable yield model, therefore better predicted cheetah K in systems devoid of lion Panthera leo and African wild dog Lycaon pictus, which were found to suppress cheetah density. This study improves our understanding of the relationships between prey demographics, cheetah social classes and intra-guild competition in determining cheetah prey preferences and K. This study therefore paves the way for similar work on other large carnivores.
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Marker, Laure. "Aspects of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) biology, ecology and conservation strategies on Namibian farmlands." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2002. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:ae3a6eed-5470-4664-9c05-ecfddabbebec.
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In an increasingly human-dominated environment, the task of successfully conserving large carnivores, such as cheetahs, is difficult due to real or perceived threats resulting in conflict and often their local extirpation. This research describes the causes and potential solutions to this conflict in Namibia. Cheetah biology and ecology were studied through physical examination, laboratory analysis, radio-tracking and human perceptions using survey techniques. Between 1991 and 2000 data collected on over 400 live-captured and dead cheetahs showed that a perceived threat to livestock or game was the reason for 91.2% (n = 343) of cheetahs captured and 47.6% (n = 30) of wild cheetah deaths. Both were biased towards males, with 2.9 males being captured for every female, despite an apparent equality of sex ratio. Human-mediated mortality accounted for 79.4% (n = 50) of wild deaths reported, of which the majority involved prime adult animals, with a peak at around 5-6 years of age. Polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to assess 313 Namibian cheetahs' variation, gene flow, paternity and behavioural ecology. Genetic analysis showed limited regional differentiation supporting a panmictic population and that persistence in Namibia depends on dispersal from regions throughout the country; therefore efforts of connectivity throughout the country should continue. Relatedness values confirmed family groups, and 45 new potential sire/dam offspring and 7 sibling groups were identified, providing information on dispersal and the success of translocation. Sera from wild cheetah were assessed for exposure to feline and canine virus antibodies to CDV, FCoV/FTP, FHV1, FPV, and FCV; antibodies were detected in 24%, 29%, 12%, 48%, and 65%, respectively, showing infection occurs in wild cheetahs; although there was no evidence of disease at time of capture, these diseases are known to cause serious clinical disease in captive cheetahs. Neither FIV antibodies nor FeLV antigens were present in any wild cheetahs tested, however, the first case of FeLV in a non-domestic felid is described in a captive Namibian cheetah. Concern for contact with domestic animals is discussed. Focal Palatine Erosion (FPE), a dental abnormality found in captive cheetahs, was discovered in over 70% of the wild cheetahs and was correlated with dental malocclusions, and is of concern to the long-term health of wild cheetahs. Namibian cheetahs have a mean 95% kernel home range of 1642.3 km2 (+/- 1565.1 km2), the largest home ranges yet defined. Habitat type significantly affected the cheetah's spatial distribution and prey density. Radio-collared female cheetahs were more closely related to other cheetahs in the study area than males, indicating male dispersal. Continual cheetah perturbation may partially explain the unusually low density of cheetahs in this area (estimated at only 2.5 cheetahs per 1000km2) despite the apparent abundance of prey. Namibian farmers originally surveyed revealed a mean removal of 19 cheetahs per year/farm, even when not considered a problem, and higher removals occurred on game farms. Evidence for actual livestock depredation was negligible, only 3% of reported captures. Scat analysis revealed cheetahs' selection for indigenous game, however 5% of scats contained evidence of livestock. Research conducted on methods of conflict resolution showed that placing Anatolian Shepherd livestock guarding dogs proved to be effective, with 76% of farmers reporting a large decline in livestock losses since acquiring an Anatolian. Such solutions appear effective in increasing farmer's tolerance for cheetahs, and by the end of the study period cheetah removals dropped to a mean of 2.1 cheetahs/farm/year. Implementing strategies such as these could be significant for reducing human-carnivore conflict in the many other places in which it occurs.
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Marnewick, K., PJ Funston, and KU Karanth. "Evaluating camera trapping as a method for estimating cheetah abundance in ranching areas." Southern African Wildlife Management Association, 2007. http://encore.tut.ac.za/iii/cpro/DigitalItemViewPage.external?sp=1000683.
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n order to accurately assess the status of the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus it is necessary
to obtain data on numbers and demographic trends. However, cheetahs are notoriously
difficult to survey because they occur at very low population densities and are often shy and
elusive. In South Africa the problem is further complicated in areas where land is privately
owned, restricting access, with dense bush and cheetahs that are frequently persecuted.
Cheetahs are individually identifiable by their unique spot patterns, making them ideal
candidates for capture–recapture surveys. Photographs of cheetahs were obtained using
four camera traps placed successively at a total of 12 trap locations in areas of known
cheetah activity within a 300 km² area in the Thabazimbi district of the Limpopo Province.
During 10 trapping periods, five different cheetahs were photographed. These results were
used to generate capture histories for each cheetah and the data were analysed using the
capture–recapture software package CAPTURE. Closure tests indicated that the population
was closed (P = 0.056). The Mh model was used to deal with possible heterogeneous capture
probabilities among individual cheetahs. Closure tests did not reject the model assumption
of population closure (P = 0.056).TheMh model produced a capture probability of 0.17 with an
estimate of 6–14 cheetahs (P = 0.95) and a mean population size of seven cheetahs
(S.E. = 1.93). These results are promising and will be improved with employment of more
camera traps and sampling a larger area.
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Di, Carlo Jared(Jared J. ). "Software and control design for the MIT Cheetah quadruped robots." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/129877.
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Thesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, February, 2020Cataloged from student-submitted PDF of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 99-101).
This thesis documents the development and implementation of software and controllers for the MIT Mini Cheetah and MIT Cheetah 3 robots. The open source software I developed is designed to provide a framework for other research groups to use the Mini Cheetah platform and is currently being used by seven other groups from around the world. The controllers I developed for this thesis are provided as example code for these groups, and can be used to make the robot walk, run, and do a backflip. The locomotion controller utilizes a simplified model and convex optimization to stabilize complex gaits online, allowing it to control complex, fully 3D gaits with flight periods, such as galloping. The backflip is accomplished through offline trajectory optimization with an accurate dynamic model and was the first backflip done on a quadruped robot.
by Jared Di Carlo.
M. Eng.
M.Eng. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
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Herring, Kiersten Sarah. "Scatology as non-invasive tool for conservation of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus Von Schreber, 1775) in South Africa." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2009. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06122009-144826.
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Bissett, Charlene. "The feeding ecology, habitat selection and hunting behaviour of re-introduced cheetah on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Province." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005384.
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The re-introduction of cheetah onto small reserves in the Eastern Cape Province has created the opportunity to study this species in an environment (Valley Bushveld) in which it has not previously been studied and which is quite different from the less wooded habitats in which previous studies have occurred. Thus the aim of this study is to add to the growing number of studies of cheetah in more wooded habitats and to contribute a better understanding of the level of specialization or adaptability in space use, habitat selection, diet and hunting behaviour that the cheetah possesses. The research was conducted on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve from February 2003 to August 2004. Direct observations, scat analysis and continuous observations were used to avoid bias towards large sized prey found when only using direct observations to study diet. The cheetah killed 15 species and four of the five most important prey species (kudu, springbok, grey duiker and bushbuck) were hunted according to their abundance on the reserve, while impala, the fifth most important prey species, was avoided (i.e. preference index less than one) by the cheetah. The cheetah’s main prey was medium sized ungulates, although the three male coalition killed larger prey than females and females with cubs. The daily food intake per cheetah per day was calculated to range from 5.3kg/cheetah/day for the coalition to 8kg/cheetah/day for a solitary female. Home range areas ranged from 11.1 km² for female cheetah with cubs in a den to 65.6 km² for single female cheetah and core areas ranged from 6 km² for the three male coalition to 26.5 km² for independent cubs. Habitat selection by cheetah on Kwandwe varied between the social groups depending on their susceptibility to predation by lions, their need for cover and need for water, and was similar to what has been previously reported. The home range of the coalition incorporated the most open vegetation type (karroid shrubland) with surrounding denser vegetation, while females occupied areas of denser vegetation. Activity patterns and hunting behaviour varied between different cheetah social groups with female cheetah being more active during day light hours compared to males which made 38% of their kills after dark. The average chase distances for the various cheetah groups varied considerably, and the chase distance for successful hunts was longer than for unsuccessful for all groups except single female cheetah. The percentage of kills’ kleptoparasitised on Kwandwe was very low compared to other studies possibly due to the low density of direct competitors, which in turn lead to longer mean kill retention times. These results suggest that cheetah are more adaptable than previously thought and this adaptability may have important implications for their conservation.
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Hudson, Penny Elena. "The structural and functional specialisation of locomotion in the cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus)." Thesis, Royal Veterinary College (University of London), 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.572138.
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Wilson, Kelly-Anne. "Status and distribution of cheetah outside formal conservation areas in the Thabazimbi District, Limpopo province." Diss., Connect to this title online, 2006. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02272007-140300/.
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Mbava, Willard. "Modelling dispersal processes in impala-cheetah-lion ecosystems with infection in the lions." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11782.
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The study involved the predator-prey interaction of three species namely the predator (Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus), the super-predator (Lion Panthera leo), and their common prey (Impala Aepyceros melampus). The study area is the Kruger National Park. The predator being an endangered species, faces a survival problem. It is frequently killed by the super-predator to reduce competition for prey. The super-predator also scares away the predator o_ its kills. The prey forms the main diet of the predator. The plight of the predator motivated the author to formulate disease and reaction-diffusion models for the species interactions. The purpose of the models were to predict and explain the effect of large competition from the super-predator on the predator population. Important parameters related to additional predator mortality due to presence of super-predator, the disease incidence rate and induced death rate formed the focal points of the analysis. The dynamics of a predator-prey model with disease in super-predator were investigated. The super-predator species is infected with bovine Tuberculosis. In the study, the disease is considered as biological control to allow the predator population to regain from low numbers. The results highlight that in the absence of additional mortality on the predator by the super-predator, the predator population survives extinction. Furthermore, at current levels of disease incidence, the super-predator population is wiped out by the disease. However, the super-predator population survives extinction if the disease incidence rate is low. Persistence of all populations is possible in the case of low disease incidence rate and no additional mortality imparted on the predator. Furthermore, a two-species subsystem, prey and predator, is considered as a special case to determine the effect of super-predator removal from the system, on the survival of the predator. This is treated as a contrasting case from the smaller parks. The results show that the predator population thrives well in the total absence of its main competitor, with its population rising to at least twice the initial value. A reaction-diffusion three-species predator-prey model was formulated and analysed. Stability of the temporal and the spatio-temporal systems, existence and non-existence of stationary steady state solutions were studied. Conditions for the emergence of stationary patterns were deduced. The results show that by choosing the diffusion coeffcient d2 > _D 2 suffciently large, a non-constant positive solution is generated, that is, stationary patterns emerge, depicting dispersal of species. Predators were observed to occupy habitats surrounding prey. However, super-predators were observed to alternate their habitats, from staying away from prey to invading prey habitat. In the investigation, strategies to determine ways in which the predator species could be saved from extinction and its population improved were devised, and these included isolation of the predator from the super-predator.
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Fisher, Callen. "State estimation of a cheetah spine and tail using an inertial sensor network." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20020.
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The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is by far the most manoeuvrable and agile terrestrial animal. Little is known, in terms of biomechanics, about how it achieves these incredible feats of manoeuvrability. The transient motions of the cheetah all involve rapid flicking of its tail and flexing of its spine. The aim of the research was to develop tools (hardware and software) that can be used to gain a better understanding of the cheetah tail and spine by capturing its motion. A mechanical rig was used to simulate the tail and spine motion. This insight may inspire and aid in the design of bio-inspired robotic platforms. A previous assumption was that the tail is heavy and acts as a counter balance or rudder, yet this was never tested. Contrary to this assumption, necropsy results determined that the tail was in fact light with a relatively low inertia value. Fur from the tail was used in wind tunnel experiments to determine the drag coefficient of a cheetah tail. No researchers have actively sought to track the motion of a cheetah's spine and tail during rapid manoeuvres via placing multiple sensors on a cheetah. This requires the development of a 3D dynamic model of the spine and tail to accurately study the motion of the cheetah. A wireless sensor network was built and three different filters and state estimation algorithms were designed and validated with a mechanical rig and camera system. The sensor network consists of three sensors on the tail (base, middle and tip) as well as a hypothetical collar sensor (GPS and WiFi were not implemented).
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Koeppel, Katja Natalie. "The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27978.
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The project was undertaken to establish the normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs and to produce a species-specific probiotic for use in juvenile cheetahs in captivity to improve weight gain and reduce diarrhoea. The normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs was established using non-selective and selective media. High numbers of anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria were isolated from the faeces of cheetahs in this study. Eight percent of isolates were Enterococcus spp. Both Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Group 1 were selected for use in the probiotic. Twenty-seven juvenile cheetahs between eight and thirteen months of age were included in the probiotic trial (Median: 12 months). The probiotic was fed for 28 days to the Probiotic Group. Both the Probiotic and Control groups were monitored for 70 days prior to the administration of the probiotic and 14 days after administration. The feeding of the cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an increase of weight in the treatment group (p=0.026, ANOVA, p<0.05) in comparison to the Control Group. There was a relative improvement in the faecal quality in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces, which had been present prior to the start of the 28-day administration of the probiotic. The feeding of a cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an improved weight gain and food conversion in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group as well as in a reduction of diarrhoea in the Probiotic Group. More research is needed on the effect of the probiotic on different age groups and animals suffering from specific diseases such as liver disease and gastritis.Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2004.
Veterinary Tropical Diseases
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Terrell, Kimberly. "Metabolism and cryo-sensitivity of domestic cat (Felis catus) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) spermatozoa." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2011. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/138.
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Teratospermia (ejaculation of ≥ 60% structurally abnormal spermatozoa) is prevalent among felids facing extinction risk, including the cheetah. This trait also occurs in certain domestic cat populations, providing a valuable research model. Multiple components of sperm function are disrupted in teratospermic cats, and even structurally normal spermatozoa from these ejaculates may be functionally compromised. Teratospermic ejaculates are highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, limiting the success of genome resource banking programs for species conservation. Although both teratospermia and cryopreservation are linked to disruptions in multiple energy-dependent sperm processes, the metabolism of these cells has not been investigated. This project explored how cellular metabolism of domestic cat and cheetah spermatozoa is influenced by species physiology, teratospermia, and sperm cryopreservation.
The project scope was divided into four studies that collectively examined the two main energy-producing pathways in spermatozoa, i.e., glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Each study compared three animal populations: normospermic cat, teratospermic cat, and cheetah. First, rates of glycolytic and oxidative substrate utilization were correlated to standard metrics of sperm function. Second, the influence of exogenous substrate availability and glycolytic enzyme activity was investigated. Third, mitochondrial activity and the role of oxidative metabolism were assessed. Lastly, sperm metabolic function was examined after cryopreservation and postthaw processing.enzyme activity was essential for sperm function, but, unexpectedly, the importance of this pathway appeared to be linked to glycerol rather than glucose metabolism. Sperm oxidative metabolism was severely compromised in the cheetah, and comparison with the teratospermic cat proved this defect to be species-specific. Spermatozoa from both species experienced metabolic damage during cryopreservation. Post-thaw processing recovered a metabolicallynormal sperm subpopulation in the cat, but cheetah spermatozoa remained functionally compromised. Collectively, these studies provided key insight into metabolism and cryosensitivity of felid spermatozoa and highlighted the importance of domestic animal models for wildlife research.
Patterns of substrate utilization were similar in spermatozoa of the cat and cheetah, including an unexpected lack of glucose uptake. However, rates of sperm pyruvate uptake and lactate production were reduced in the teratospermic cat and cheetah compared to the normospermic cat. Lactate production predicted ejaculate quality in each study. Glycolytic
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Houser, AnnMarie. "Spoor density, movement and rehabilitation of cheetahs in Botswana." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27083.
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The “vulnerable” listing by IUCN of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus in Africa has caused urgency in the protection of their habitat and development of predator management strategies. By understanding the movement and home range of cheetah in Botswana, translocation of problem cheetah or reintroduction of non-problem animals can be managed appropriately. More importantly this information will help to protect what is already there. Due to the increasing numbers of cheetahs being taken by illegal trade and poaching, there have become incidents of orphaned cubs where the only option for their survival is rehabilitation for release into the wild, or euthanasia. The first part of the study focuses on baseline information of movement patterns of cheetah in Botswana. Eleven cheetahs were collared and monitored from 2003-2007, including males and females with and without cubs from the Ghanzi and Southern districts. The understanding of cheetah movement is critical in determining methods of protection and survival of the species in protected areas living with competing predators such as lion Panthera leo, brown hyaena Hyaena brunnea and leopard Panthera pardus, as well as on farmlands where human conflict and habitat loss are the main causes of cheetah death. In the Southern district the cheetah were able to move freely in and out of the Jwana Game Reserve surrounded by communal livestock farms with low to medium conflict, utilizing various livestock protection methods, whilst Ghanzi consisted of livestock and game farms where conflict was high and protection methods were limited or nonexistent. Home ranges in males ranged from 492 km2(in single males) to 849 km2(in one coalition) in Ghanzi, while females ranged from 241 km2 to 306 km2 in Jwaneng. In addition, in order to determine the correlation between spoor density and true density, a 15 month spoor study was conducted in Jwaneng at the Jwana Game Reserve on a population of free ranging wild cheetah. A correction factor was tested and adjusted for accuracy, resulting in two formulas to be used in the wet and dry seasons. Spoor surveys are by no means a determinant factor, as they need to be repeated over time to observe population fluctuations due to outside factors, and are time consuming and can be expensive, but they are a management tool that can be utilized for estimations of cheetah densities on private farms or protected areas. The third part to the study was the rehabilitation of three orphaned cubs, from different families, that were put together from eight to twelve weeks old. The goal of this project was to raise and release fully functional, self sufficient, breeding animals into the wild population on a game farm. These cubs were raised in isolation until 1.5 years of age, then transferred to a 100 ha enclosure where they were given the opportunity to learn to hunt. Daily observations of their behavioural development and hunting abilities were recorded for 48 days and are presented in a descriptive way. At two years old they were released onto a 9000 ha game farm where their potential to survive on farmland was monitored. Botswana does not have the facilities or desire to keep predators captive, and if orphaned cubs could be utilized by placing them back into wild populations where they could add to the gene pool, alternatives would be available for captive bred animals or cheetahs facing life long captivity. CopyrightDissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009.
Centre for Wildlife Management
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Barton, Lucinda. "Degenerative Joint Disease in Captive Large Cats: the radiographic characteristics and clinical presentation of DJD in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris)." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2022. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/29741.
Full textAbstract:
Lions, tigers and cheetahs are commonly held in zoos, experiencing greater longevity in captivity than the wild. As a result, they are more likely to develop age-related diseases, including degenerative joint disease (DJD). However, the prevalence, distribution, severity and clinical presentation of DJD in these species is currently unclear. To address these knowledge gaps, 14 institutions provided radiographic studies and matched clinical records for all cheetahs, lions and tigers that underwent imaging between 1979-2019. Radiographic arthropathies were identified and the correlation between arthropathy status and a range of predictors was examined. Radiographic DJD status was then matched with clinical entries to investigate the presenting signs of DJD in these three species. Arthropathies were found to be common and almost exclusively degenerative in nature. Increasing age was the strongest predictor for joint disease, and a significantly lower prevalence of disease was recorded for the cheetah. Whilst all species showed unique patterns of disease, similarities existed between the lion and tiger, with severe axial DJD a feature. There was a conspicuous absence of appendicular DJD detected in older cheetahs, however axial DJD is reported in this species for the first time, with both increased prevalence and severity found in cheetahs from urban compared with open-range zoos. The meniscal ossicle and supinator sesamoid bone were identified as normal structures that become radiographically evident with skeletal maturation, with the supinator sesamoid bone reported in the tiger, and the meniscal ossicle in the Sumatran tiger, for the first time. A spectrum of DJD-associated presenting clinical signs was established for the three species. Combined, these findings will facilitate radiographic diagnosis of DJD and enhance understanding of the clinical impact of this disease in captive nondomestic felids, whilst also providing impetus for further research in this area.
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Buck, Roxanne Kate. "Cardiopulmonary effects of anaesthesia maintained by propofol infusion versus isoflurane inhalation in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/65506.
Full textAbstract:
Objective To compare the cardiopulmonary function of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) undergoing propofol total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) to isoflurane maintenance in order to evaluate their feasibility for field use. Study design Prospective clinical study Animals 24 adult cheetahs Materials and Methods Cheetahs were immobilised with tiletamine-zolazepam (1.2 mg kg-1) and medetomidine (40 ?g kg-1) intramuscular by darting. A maintenance protocol of propofol TIVA (Group-P) or isoflurane inhalation (Group-I) was randomly assigned to each cheetah. Anaesthesia was maintained for at least 60 minutes. Cheetah breathed spontaneously throughout anaesthesia. Oxygen was supplemented at 3 L minute-1. Cardiopulmonary parameters were recorded at five minute intervals and three arterial blood gas samples analysed. Following maintenance, atipamezole was administered intramuscular (200 ?g kg-1) and recovery observed. Data is reported as mean ±SD; variables over time were compared using a linear mixed model (fixed: time, treatment; random: cheetah). Results Lack of response to manipulations was maintained in all cases (end-tidal isoflurane 1.1 ± 0.1%, propofol infusion rate maintained at 0.1 mg kg-1 minute-1). The heart rate and respiratory rate were 82 ± 10 beats minute-1 and 14 ± 4 breaths minute-1, respectively for both groups overall. The end-tidal carbon dioxide tension increased slowly (to 44.0 ± 5.0 mmHg at the end of maintenance) with no differences between groups. All cheetahs were initially markedly hypertensive (mean arterial pressure (MAP) 163.3 ± 17 mmHg); MAP normalised for Group-I (125 ± 30 mmHg) but remained high for Group-P (161.0 ± 17 mmHg) (p < 0.001). The arterial carbon dioxide tension (48.9 ± 14.6 mmHg) never differed between groups. Recovery time was 10.8 ± 5.0 and 51.9 ± 23.5 minutes for Group-I and Group-P, respectively. Conclusions and clinical relevance Both protocols provided acceptable cardiopulmonary values. Propofol may be an alternative to isoflurane for field use, but the prolonged recovery requires investigation.Dissertation (MMEDVET)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Anaesthesiology
MMEDVET
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Evans, Meredith Morgan. "Land use and Prey Density Changes in the Nakuru Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya Implications for Cheetah Conservation /." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2004. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0007420.
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Blakemore, Andrea L. (Andrea Leigh). "The design of a Hall Effect force sensing flexure on the front leg of a robotic cheetah." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/69503.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 37).
To successfully design and program legged robots, it is important to be able to characterize the forces felt on the moving joints. To achieve this, we designed an easy to implement force sensor that used Hall Effect sensors mounted on a flexure to measure force. The flexure was designed to be compliant in two directions, along the ground normal and shear reaction forces. The Hall Effect sensors were mounted so that the change in position of a magnet on the sensor translated to a change in position. By relating this data, the voltage output of the Hall Effect sensors could be related to force through a calibration matrix. The flexure was prototyped at a large scale of 5 in x 5 in x 7 in. The force sensor behaved as expected in compression but abnormally when encountering large shear forces, causing a discrepancy in the calibration matrix. Moving forward, tightening tolerances on the flexure and modifying the Hall Effect sensor setup to use 2- axis sensing for both compression and shear directions should decrease the error between calculated and actual force measurements, allowing for a reliable calibration matrix to be calculated.
by Andrea L. Blakemore.
S.B.
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Abston, Marcus Chas. "Effects of Olfactory Enrichments on African Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus)." OpenSIUC, 2017. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/2218.
Full textAbstract:
AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF MARCUS C. ABSTON, for the Master of Science degree in ZOOLOGY, presented on 18 April 2017, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: EFFECTS OF OLFACTORY ENRICHMENT ON AFRICAN CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS) MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Carey Krajewski Environmental enrichment has been an essential part of felid husbandry in zoos, serving to reduce both physiological and psychological stress. Olfactory enrichment is one of many interventions used to prevent stereotypic behavior caused by stress in felids. However, little research has been done on this practice. The purpose of this study was to compare behavioral responses of four captive African cheetahs to six types of commercial fragrances used as olfactory enrichment stimuli. Three of these fragrances are marketed as “men’s cologne” and three as “women’s perfume”. The fragrances were also categorized as musky, spice, and floral types. Behavioral responses were recorded by live observations during 36 bouts at the St. Louis Zoo. There was a significant difference between cheetahs’ interaction time with male and female fragrances; they seemed to prefer male colognes. However, there was no significant difference in interaction time among fragrance types. Engagement behaviors varied among individuals (e.g. sniffing, scent rolling, pawing), but were similar to those reported by previous authors. These findings suggest that commercial fragrances may be a useful option for African cheetah olfactory enrichment.
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Fischer, Brittany Nicole. "Development and Implementation of a Longitudinal Welfare Approach of Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium." The Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587403268672204.
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Brassine, Eleanor I. "The cheetahs of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana: population estimates, monitoring techniques and human-predator conflict." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017800.
Full textAbstract:
Remaining viable cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations in Africa are threatened by direct persecution through conflict with farmers and habitat degradation and fragmentation. Botswana is considered a stronghold for free roaming cheetahs in Africa, yet the country has had relatively limited research on its cheetahs, and information from the east of the country is lacking. Data on the current status of populations is thus required to make informed management decisions. My study provides estimates of population density, abundance, distribution and status for the demographically open cheetah population of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve (NOTUGRE) in Botswana. The effectiveness of two population monitoring methods, namely camera trapping and a photographic survey, were also investigated. Moreover, I report on the level of conflict between livestock farmers and predators on rural communal farmlands within and adjacent to NOTUGRE. Data were collected between May 2012 and November 2013. Results indicate a low population density of 0.61 ± 0.18 adult cheetahs per 100 km² and a minimum population size of 10 individuals (nine adults and one cub). Camera traps placed at cheetah scent-marking posts increased detection rates and provided ideal set up locations. This approach, together with Spatial Explicit Capture- Recapture (SECR) models, is recommended for future studies. The long-term studies that are required to better understand the status of cheetahs in Botswana do not exist. Thus, photographic surveys may provide an alternative method for providing baseline data on population numbers, distribution and demography. The third aspect of my study gathered information on levels of livestock loss and human tolerance of predators through the use of interviews (n = 80). Conflict with subsistence farmers is a concern as livestock depredation is relatively high (9.1% of total livestock owned) and farmers had an overall negative attitude towards conservation of large predators. My results suggest that human-predator conflict in this area is more complex than the direct financial loss from depredation. Hence, reducing depredation rates alone is unlikely to change farmer tolerance of wildlife on farmlands. Improved, responsible farm management, including self-responsibility for livestock rearing, and positive appreciation for wildlife are necessary. The NOTUGRE cheetah population requires further research to understand possible threats to the population. Furthermore, a better understanding of the connectivity between cheetahs of NOTUGRE, South Africa and Zimbabwe is required. The number of cheetahs within NOTUGRE is too small to sustain a viable population, hence conserving cheetahs outside of the protected area should be a priority for the conservation of the population. This can only be achieved through assistance and involvement from national authorities, local people and conservation organisations.
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Mossotti, Regina Helen. "FEMALE REACTION TO MALE URINE SCENTS AS POTENTIAL INDICATOR OF MATE CHOICE IN CAPTIVE CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS)." OpenSIUC, 2010. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/237.
Full textAbstract:
AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF REGINA HELEN MOSSOTTI, for the Master of Science degree in ZOOLOGY, presented 23 October 2009, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: FEMALE REACTION TO MALE URINE SCENTS AS POTENTIAL INDICATOR OF MATE CHOICE IN CAPTIVE CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS) MAJOR PROFESSOR: GEORGE A. FELDHAMER Genetic variation in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has become dangerously low because of dramatic population decline and fragmentation. Zoos throughout the world manage captive cheetahs with breeding programs to maximize genetic heterozygosity. Unfortunately, the zoo community has not accomplished consistent breeding success with cheetahs, possibly because of a general lack of information on sociosexual behavior. Currently, individual cheetahs are assigned mates based primarily on genetic relatedness; however, evidence from many species suggests that allowing animals to choose mates increases breeding success. When animals, primarily females, are allowed to choose mates they will often pick the best genetic match. I tested whether female cheetahs can determine their genetic relatedness to males by investigating their urine scents. Voided male urine was collected following scent marking. The female was offered scents from three different males: one from an unrelated male, a "good" mate choice (A), another from a male that was equivalent to a second cousin, an "average" mate choice (B), and one from a male that was closely related, equivalent to a brother/father, a "poor" mate choice (C). Every female was also offered "blank" gauze as a control (D). The scents were offered in a pair-wise forced choice paradigm for a total of six possible combinations. All behaviors displayed toward each scent (and their duration) were recorded. The estrous cycling of each female was monitored through fecal hormone evaluation for approximately six weeks, including the weeks during scent trials. In every pairing except C vs. D, the females spent more time overall with the better mate choice in the pair; with three of the comparisons being significantly different (A>C, t=2.38, df=11, P=0.039; A>D, t=1.88, df=11, P= 0.087 and B>D, t=2.62, df=8, P=0.045). Proximity was the most frequently observed behavior and females spent more time in proximity to the most distantly related male scent in all pairings. They spent significantly more time in proximity with A in AC pairing (t=2.25, df=10, P=0.049) and with B in the BC and BD pairings (t=6.37, df=8, P=0.0002; t=2.46, df=6, P=0.049; respectively). Sniffing was the next most frequently observed behavior, and in all pairings (except CD) females spent more time sniffing the most distantly related male's scent; but was only significantly different for A in the AD pairing (t=2.31, df=7, P=0.055). Lag time of estradiol in fecal samples varies between individuals; therefore, the affect of daily estradiol concentrations on scent choices could not be determined. This is the first mate choice study using urine with a mammalian carnivore.
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Makin, Douglas Ferguson. "How does the ungulate community respond to predation risk from cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in Samara Private Game Reserve?" Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018461.
Full textAbstract:
Predator reintroductions are becoming increasingly more common for multiple reasons, including assisting with the conservation of a predator species, the restoration of ecosystem functions and the economic benefits of their reintroduction for ecotourism ventures. There remains however, little knowledge on prey species responses to these predator reintroductions. As such, the reintroduction of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into Samara Private Game Reserve provided an opportunity to investigate prey responses to predator reintroduction across a range of spatial and temporal scales. More specifically, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cheetah predation risk on habitat use and behavioural responses of the resident ungulate community. Samara is divided into “predator present” and “predator absent” sections, providing the opportunity to conduct a comparative study investigating the effect of cheetah on prey responses. It was hypothesized that different ungulate species would respond differently to the presence of cheetah, depending on differences in perceived vulnerability to cheetah predation. To address this, shifts in habitat use, and behavioural responses of the ungulate community reflected at landscape and patch scale were investigated. Overall, ungulate species have not shifted habitat use since cheetah reintroduction, this was possibly related to life history strategy constraints and the need for individuals to obtain suitable forage and therefore remain in specific habitats. While no shift in habitat use was observed for the majority of ungulate species, a shift in behaviour was observed for kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) at a landscape scale, where kudu dedicated more time to vigilance and less time to foraging within the predator section. In addition, individuals within smaller kudu groups were observed to be more vigilant than individuals within larger groups of kudu within the predator section. Although the other three ungulate species monitored did not increase time spent vigilant within the predator section, they still maintained relatively high levels of vigilance, potentially as a means of social monitoring. At a patch level, ungulate species responded strongly to a predator cue as a proxy for cheetah proximity, and increased time spent vigilant with a trade-off of lower foraging effort. This vigilant response was strongest for kudu. Differences in perceived predation risk were reflected within eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and kudu species demographic classes, with juvenile eland and kudu, adult female kudu and subadult female kudu spending more time vigilant within manipulated patches than respective males of each species. Kudu were also observed adopting fine-scale behavioural responses to minimize predation risk within patches. The asymmetrical prey species response to perceived predation risk from cheetah supports the hypothesis that different species respond differently to the presence of a predator. Furthermore, this study illustrated the importance of measuring prey responses to predation risk across multiple scales and highlighted the need to replicate this study for a number of different sites where predators have been reintroduced, to better understand the range of factors influencing these predator-prey interactions.
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Lee, Jongwoo S. M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Hierarchical controller for highly dynamic locomotion utilizing pattern modulation and impedance control : implementation on the MIT Cheetah robot." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/85490.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2013.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 105-111).
This thesis presents a hierarchical control algorithm for quadrupedal locomotion. We address three challenges in developing a controller for high-speed running: locomotion stability, control of ground reaction force, and coordination of four limbs. To tackle these challenges, the proposed algorithm employs three strategies. Leg impedance control provides programmable virtual compliance of each leg which achieve self-stability in locomotion. The four legs exert forces to the ground using equilibrium-point hypothesis. A gait pattern modulator imposes a desired footfall sequence. The control algorithm is verified in a dynamic simulator constructed using MATLAB and then in the subsequent experiments on the MIT Cheetah robot. The experiments on the MIT Cheetah robot demonstrates high speed trot running reaching up to the speed of 6 m/s on a treadmill. This speed corresponds to a Froude number (Fr = 7.34), which is comparatively higher than other existing quadrupedal robots.
by Jongwoo Lee.
S.M.
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Golezardy, Habib. "Prevalence of Babesia species and associated ticks (Acari : Ixodidae) in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations in South Africa." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30810.
Full textAbstract:
Due to prevailing environmental and climatic conditions South Africa hosts one cheetah
subspecies (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) and a wide range of tick-borne protozoa such as Babesia.
Blood samples collected from 143 cheetahs at four study sites, namely the Ann van Dyk Cheetah
Breeding Center-De Wildt (Brits and Shingwedzi), the Cheetah Outreach and the Hoedspruit
Endangered Species Centre, were examined for Babesia infection. The V4 hypervariable region
of 18S rRNA gene was amplified and subjected to the Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridisation
assay. Hybridisation of the parasite DNA with Babesia genus and species-specific probes was
evident. The results showed a predominance of Babesia lengau (n=63, 44.1%), followed by
Babesia felis (n=3, 2.1%) and Babesia canis rossi (n=7, 4.8%).
Unfed ixodid ticks (n=10,432), collected from the vegetation by drag-sampling, represented five
species: Amblyomma hebraeum, Amblyomma marmoreum, Haemaphysalis elliptica,
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus simus and Rhipicephalus zambeziensis,.
The monthly occurrence of ixodid ticks at the De Wildt Cheetah Breeding Centre (Brits) showed
a higher activity in the warm months of the year. Recovery of ticks decreased during the warm hours of the day, suggesting that free-living ticks are humid dependent. The presence of birds,
rodents, free-ranging antelopes such as nyalas (Tragelaphus angasii), kudus (Tragelaphus
strepsiceros), bushbucks (Tragelaphus scriptus) and impalas (Aepyceros melampus), as well as
Burchell’s zebras (Equus burchellii) and leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis) can contribute
to the availability of various tick species at the breeding centres.
Mice as the host for immature instars of ixodid tick species and unfed ixodid ticks were studied
for presence of Babesia species. Babesia lengau was detected in 22 (39.2%) mice as well as in
Haemaphysalis elliptica larvae, nymphs and adults. The presence of B. lengau in mice suggests a
long-term association since the host preference of B. lengau for mice remains unclear. However,
the presence of this parasite in unfed imature and adult H. elliptica is indicative of a transstadial
transmission suggesting that this tick species may be a potential vector for B. lengau.
The correlation between Babesia infection and various parameters such as gender, age, tick
burdens and location, in two different breeding farms belonging to the De Wildt Cheetah
Breeding Centre was analysed using the Fisher’s exact test analysis. The prevalence of Babesia
species in cheetahs was associated with tick burden suggesting a strong positive correlation
between the prevalence of infection and presence of suspected vector ticks. Regardless of tick
burden, age could be related to prevalence of infection, meaning that the fact that older cheetahs
had a higher prevalence of infection with Babesia species. These findings were of considerable
interest especially since at the time of study the cheetahs in both populations did not show
clinical signs of infection with Babesia species.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Veterinary Tropical Diseases
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Schroeder, Michelle M. "Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) mortality and survival in fenced reserves as part of a managed metapopulation across South Africa." Master's thesis, Faculty of Science, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/31232.
Full textAbstract:
Large carnivores require expansive habitat to meet their life history needs making them vulnerable to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitat. This, in addition to human persecution has led to substantial population and range reductions of most of the world’s large carnivores over the past century. Cheetahs are no exception, occupying only 12% of their historic range in South Africa. Reintroduction programs have attempted to re-establish cheetahs to parts of this historic range, and increasingly the potential exists for their conservation in smaller fenced game reserves. However, this requires managers to maintain demographic and genetic diversity. In 2011, the Endangered Wildlife Trust initiated a project which coordinates movements between reserves using a metapopulation framework. This coordinated management approach is still in its infancy and little data exist on how reintroduction success varies amongst individuals and reserves. This study aims to examine the causes of mortality and the factors influencing cheetah survival on 20 reserves using individual life history records from 1993-2018. We assessed demographic, environmental, and management factors that are predicted to influence cheetah survival using a Cox proportional hazard model. Predation, mostly by lions (Panthera leo) accounted for 39% of known mortalities. However, the presence of spotted hyena (Crucota crucuta) posed the greatest threat to survival. Contrary to my prediction, translocation improved survival when controlling for age. Survival has also improved with time since the coordinated metapopulation approach was initiated in 2011. We created a nomogram which can be used by practitioners to predict cheetah survival within the metapopulation. Our study shows the importance of monitoring reintroduction efforts and encourages similar methods be used for other species of conservation concern that are managed within a metapopulation framework.
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Almansa, Ruiz Jose Carlos. "Bacterial profiles and antibiograms of the bacteria isolated of the exposed pulps of dog and cheetah canine teeth." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30685.
Full textAbstract:
Objectives: The aims of this study was to investigate the RC microbiota in CCF canine teeth in the domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), identify the possible factors related to the presence of aerobic or anaerobic bacteria and evaluate and evaluate antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated. Animals: Thirty nine animals suffering from CCF of their canine teeth were included in this study, of which 20 were dogs and 19 were cheetahs. Procedures: Evaluation of the oral cavity of animals while under general anaesthesia was performed and those without necrotic pulps or those that had received antibiotic therapy in the previous two weeks were excluded. Microbial samples were taken from 63 RC of which 27 were from dogs and 36 were from cheetahs. Strict anaerobic and aerobic techniques were used in parallel for plating, incubation and identification of the bacteria isolated in this manner. In an attempt to evaluate the sensitivity of the culture media and anaerobic technique used, additional samples were collected after the samples for bacterial isolation had been taken from the last eight pulps. These comprised those from six cheetahs and two dogs and were analysed using culture techniques and an initial screening with the 16S rRNA-specific PCR. Results: • Dogs: A total of 49 cultivable isolates were recovered belonging to 19 different bacterial species and 13 different genera. Individual RC yielded a maximum of four bacterial species. Of the bacterial isolates, 4.08 % were strict anaerobes, being represented by Clostridium acetobulitycum (2.04 %) and Prevotella melalinogenica (2.04 % ). The incidence of aerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobic bacteria in this study were 18.36 % and 77.56 %respectively of all the bacterial isolates. Of these Pasteurella multocida ( 10.20 % ), Corynebacterium spp. (10.20 %), Moraxella spp. (8.17 %), Bacillus spp. (6.12 %), Aeromonas salmonicida (6.12 %), Escherichia coli (6.12 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.12 %) were the bacteria most frequently isolated. In summary, the RC microflora was found to be predominantly Gram negative facultative anaerobic microorganisms. The antibiotic agents that showed the highest efficacy in vitro against the different bacteria isolates were Enrofloxacin (85.21 % ), Gentamicin (92.39 %), Chloramphenicol (89.13 %). • Cheetahs: A total of 59 cultivable isolates, belonging to 19 different microbial species and 13 different genera were recovered from 36 RC sampled. Thirty-two (54.49 %) of the cultivable isolates were Gram positive while 27 (45.71 %) were Gram negative. Individual root canals each yielded a maximum of six species. Four RC had no cultivable bacteria. The bacterial micro flora recovered from the RC of the animals showed a higher number of facultative anaerobes (62.72 % of all the bacterial isolates). Aerobic isolates were 28.81 %, and strict anaerobes 8.47 % of all the isolates. The latter species comprised Clostridium sordelli (5.08 % ), and Clostridium septicum (3.38 % ). The species with the highest isolation frequency were Bacillus spp. (22.13 %), Pasteurella multocida (10.16 %), Corynebacterium spp. (8.47 %), Enterococcus spp. (8.47 %), Moraxella spp. (8.47 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.25 %). In summary, the bacteria isolated from the RC were Gram positive facultative anaerobic bacteria. The antibiotics, which showed the highest efficacy in vitro against the different bacteria isolates, were Enrofloxacin (91.96 %), Gentamicin (86.37 %) and Orbifloxacin (86.28 %). • Nucleic Acid-Base detection: In dogs, Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial species were equally represented. Anaerobic bacterial species predominated at 83.3 % (5/6) of the species detected. On the other hand, in cheetahs, the bacterial species isolated by the PCR method showed a prevalence of anaerobic bacteria (60.8 %, 14/23), while facultative anaerobes were isolated in 30.2 % (7 /23) of cases and aerobic bacteria in 8.6 % (2/23). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study has indicated that the microbial flora in any single infected RC is much more diverse than it has been shown using cultural techniques alone and can contain potentially uncultivable bacterial species. Some of these species may represent potentially new phylotypes, which may be involved in endodontic infections and ultimatelyin periradicular periodontitis, and should therefore be considered in any future studies involved in defining endodontic pathogens. CopyrightDissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Companion Animal Clinical Studies
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Visser, Runine (Runine Cecile). "Chemical communication : chemical characterization of volatile constituents of urine of the southern African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, using headspace sampling and GC-MS." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52730.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, sometimes referred to as "the greyhound of the cats", is probably the most elegant member of the cat family. Formerly widespread in southern Africa it is now threatened with extinction. It occurs in open savanna and light woodland, but also hilly country on occasion. The cheetah is a predator that can reach speeds of more then 110 km/h in short bursts. With a mass of between only 40 to 60 kg, it is not very powerful and cannot defend itself very effectively against carnivores such as the lion and hyaena, for example. This might be the reason why, in order not to advertise its presence, the urine of this animal is practically odourless. In turn, this might explain why no research has so far been devoted to the urine of this animal. In contrast extensive work has been done on the chemical characterisation of the urine of many other carnivores, notably the lion. Extraction of the urine with dichloromethane gave too little material for GC-MS. SPME sampling of the urine itself gave insufficient sample enrichment. Better results were obtained when an SPME-type of headspace sampling, using a larger mass of polydimethylsiloxane, was employed although many of the constituents of the urine could still barely be detected. The compounds identified include a large number of ketones, aldehydes, cyclic and acyclic ethers, carboxylic acids, amides two sulphur compounds in barely detectable quantities, and elemental sulphur. Perhaps the most remarkable result of this thesis is that it was found that the urine of the cheetah, although it is a carnivore, does not contain several sulphur compounds in relatively high concentrations. However, it does contain elemental sulphur. Perhaps a mechanism exists by which the cheetah can convert strongly odorous sulphur containing compounds into the less strongly smelling sulphur.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die jagluiperd, Acinonyx jubatus, 'n roofdier wat tydens 'n jagtog vir kort tye snelhede van meer as 110 km/h kan bereik, is waarskynlik die elegantste lid van die katfamilie. Met sy vaartbelynde liggaam weeg die dier egter slegs tussen 40 en 60 kg kan hy homself nie doeltreffend teen groter roofdiere verdedig nie. Chemiese verbindings, sogenaamde feromone, wat onder andere in die uriene uitgeskei word, word dikwels deur diere gebruik vir gebiedsafbakening en om met ander lede van die spesie te kommunikeer. Die uriene van die jadluiperd is egter feitlik reukloos. Tot dusver is die chemiese samestelling van die uriene van die jagluiperd nog nie ondersoek nie. Ekstraksie van die uriene met dichlorometaan het te min materiaal vir gaschromatografies-massaspektrometriese analise opgelewer, maar bevredigende resultate is verkry deur van 'n verbeterde monsternemingsmetode gebruik te maak. 'n Groot aantal organiese verbindings en twee swawelbevattende verbindings in skaars waarneembare hoeveelhede is in die uriene geïdentifiseer. Daar is egter 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid van die element swawel is in die uriene gevind. Laasgenoemde ontdekking, is die mees verbasende resultaat van hierdie navorsing. Die uitskeiding van swawel in uriene is, sover bekend, eenmalig in die soogdierwêreld. Dit is moontlik dat die jagluiperd oor 'n meganisme beskik om swawelverbindings wat baie sterk ruik om te sit na swawel wat nie so sterk ruik nie. Hierdie meganisme sal die dier se kanse op oorlewing verbeter deur van die swawelbevattende verbindings in sy dieet ontslae te raak sonder om sy teenwoordigheid in die omgewing te adverteer.
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Maruping, Nkabeng Thato. "The re-introduction of captive bred cheetah into a wild environment, Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/26057.
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The conservation benefits of animals in captivity are limited to education and genetic preservation. However, where species or sub-species are critically endangered, the release of captive bred animals into the wild can be used as a strategy to supplement existing populations or to form new founder populations. Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus born in captivity have no prior experience of survival in wild circumstances. Captive bred cheetahs are currently the greatest source of individuals. This project worked in conjunction with IUCN reintroduction guidelines and pre-existing recommendations in an attempt to develop an ideal methodology of reintroducing captive bred cheetah into the wild. Three captive bred cheetahs, one female and two males, were reintroduced onto Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve, a predator proofed reserve in the Limpopo province of South Africa, as part of an experimental rehabilitation project. The cheetahs had to lose their homing instinct, be habituated to researchers, become accustomed to eating venison, chewing skin, infrequent large meals and strength development within the three months spent in the enclosures. The cheetahs were habituated to the field researchers on foot and to research vehicles for ease of monitoring. A soft release methodology was used to ease the cheetahs into the environment. Upon release they were tracked twice daily to observe behavior and interaction with their environment. The duration of the project was 20 months which includes enclosure time. The establishment of a home range indicated that the resource need of the cheetahs was satisfied. Eight habitat types were identified in the study area and all cheetahs encompassed part of each in their home range. Though the hunting instinct was present in all the cheetahs, the appropriate hunting techniques and prey selection had to be learned overtime. There was no difference between what was stalked and what was caught. From the observed kills, prey weight ranged from small <40 kg to medium <160 kg. This weight range is comparable to wild cheetahs that select prey within the same range. Each cheetah hunted every four to five days and consumed three to five kilograms of meat per day. Nine prey species were identified, two of which were not detected during direct observations. In the collection of scat, the trained dog found approximately a scat per hour while each direct observation by the researchers took approximately 10 hours. These captive bred cheetahs had to learn how to hunt and how to select appropriate prey thus addressing learned behavior versus instinct. Given the frequency and intensity of injuries sustained and the extensive human influence in the form of veterinary treatment, the reintroduction was not a success. However the techniques developed and modified are relevant for future endeavors‟.Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Animal and Wildlife Sciences
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Gustavsson, Linda. "Evaluation of varied enrichment schedules for two feline and one primate species at Parken Zoo." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för fysik, kemi och biologi, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-70584.
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An evaluation of varied enrichment and feeding schedules were conducted on three spices, drill, Pallas’s cat and cheetah, at Parken Zoo in Sweden. Varied schedules of enrichment and feeding are used to prevent the animals from knowing when the administration of these events are going to happen since anticipation can lead to a number of negative changes in the behaviours of the animals. Scan sampling was used to gather behavioural data of the animals and the data was then used to answer a number of questions about the extent of success of the varied schedule: 1.Is the varied schedule experienced as unpredictable for the animals? 2. Are there any negative behaviours associated with the scheduled enrichments? 3. What are the reactions to the enrichment being withheld at certain days? The results showed that the animals did not perceive the scheduled events as predictable; pacing in cheetahs and aggressive behaviours in Pallas’s cats seemed to be directly associated with the events; active behaviours in the drills decreased and aggressiveness increased as an immediate result of withholding enrichment. Implications for the animals and the zoo in light of the results are discussed.
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Kruger, John Ernst. "Interrelationships between the larger carnivores of the Klaserie private nature reserve with special reference to the leopard Pantera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber, 1775)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28374.
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Broekhuis, Femke. "Niche segregation by cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) as a mechanism for co-existence with lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta)." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2012. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:b49a3d35-1b89-4c38-91c5-10330589b2be.
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Intraguild competition and predation have been recognised as important ecological factors influencing the population dynamics of carnivores. The effects of these interactions are often asymmetrical due to a size-related dominancy hierarchy. However, it has been suggested that competitively subordinate carnivores can minimise the costs of predation and competition through spatial and temporal avoidance. Here I investigate the ecological and behavioural mechanisms by which cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) coexist with competitively stronger lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). Fieldwork was carried out in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana, between October 2008 and August 2011. A total of 20 Global Positioning System (GPS) radio-collars were fitted on all known cheetahs (n=6), lion prides (n=5) and spotted hyaena clans (n=6) in the study area (approx. 3 000 km2). Pre-programmed radio-collars recorded locations and activity continuously for each individual and these data were complemented with direct behavioural observations. Cheetah data were analysed with respect to the temporal and spatial likelihood of encountering lions and spotted hyaenas. Results suggest that the response to the risks posed by other predators is species-specific, habitat-specific and dependent on the immediacy of the risk. Resource partitioning was not the main mechanism for coexistence as cheetahs overlapped extensively with lions and spotted hyaenas in time, space and habitat use. Instead, cheetahs adjusted their spatial distribution in response to immediate risks or adapted their habitat use depending on their vulnerability (e.g. behaviours such as feeding or with differing levels of moonlight at night). In general, cheetah temporal and spatial distribution is a hierarchal process, firstly driven by resource acquisition and thereafter fine-tuned by predator avoidance. In addition, habitat heterogeneity seemed to be key in facilitating coexistence. Understanding the behavioural mechanisms that interacting apex predators adopt to regulate these negative interactions could be crucial to carnivore conservation, especially as human-related habitat loss is forcing species into ever smaller areas.
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Pribbenow, Susanne [Verfasser]. "Non-invasive monitoring of gonadal activity in two carnivores, the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) / Susanne Pribbenow." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2017. http://d-nb.info/1135184755/34.
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Dyer, Siobhan Margaret. "Population size, demography and spatial ecology of cheetahs in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002058.
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The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has experienced a drastic decline in numbers over the last 20 years globally and is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In South Africa, there are only an estimated 763 free-ranging cheetahs and conflict with humans is arguably the most significant reason for this low number. The aim of my study was to determine the population size and demographic characteristics of the cheetah population within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (TPNR), South Africa, and to contribute to a better understanding of cheetah space use and habitat selection. The research was conducted on TPNR between November 2009 and June 2011 and I used a photographic survey to assess cheetah population size and demographic characteristics. Location data was obtained by collaring two adult male cheetahs with GPS/GSM collars and ad hoc sightings data from across the reserve for an adult female with cubs and three adolescent females. A relatively high minimum population density of 4.46 cheetahs/100km² was estimated, signifying a relatively healthy cheetah population. The sex ratio data indicated a higher male to female ratio and an average litter size of three cubs. The relatively high cub survival rate and density is promising in terms of the status of species within the area, as the data denote the success and potential persistence of the species. Cheetah home ranges varied between 20.97km² for the female with cubs and 659.65km² for the younger collared male. Season did not appear to be a determining factor in terms of home range sizes for the three social groups within the TPNR. However, the males did show a slight increase in their home range sizes during the dry season when resources where presumably more widespread. My results indicate that the cheetah is an adaptable species, flexible in behaviour and able to tolerate a variety of habitat types. Such knowledge is fundamental for planning and implementing the effective management and conservation of cheetahs in South Africa.
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Johnson, Sandra. "Integrated Bayesian network frameworks for modelling complex ecological issues." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2009. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/32002/1/Sandra_Johnson_Thesis.pdf.
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Ecological problems are typically multi faceted and need to be addressed from a scientific and a management perspective. There is a wealth of modelling and simulation software available, each designed to address a particular aspect of the issue of concern. Choosing the appropriate tool, making sense of the disparate outputs, and taking decisions when little or no empirical data is available, are everyday challenges facing the ecologist and environmental manager.
Bayesian Networks provide a statistical modelling framework that enables analysis and integration of information in its own right as well as integration of a variety of models addressing different aspects of a common overall problem. There has been increased interest in the use of BNs to model environmental systems and issues of concern. However, the development of more sophisticated BNs, utilising dynamic and object oriented (OO) features, is still at the frontier of ecological research. Such features are particularly appealing in an ecological context, since the underlying facts are often spatial and temporal in nature.
This thesis focuses on an integrated BN approach which facilitates OO modelling. Our research devises a new heuristic method, the Iterative Bayesian Network Development Cycle (IBNDC), for the development of BN models within a multi-field and multi-expert context. Expert elicitation is a popular method used to quantify BNs when data is sparse, but expert knowledge is abundant. The resulting BNs need to be substantiated and validated taking this uncertainty into account. Our research demonstrates the application of the IBNDC approach to support these aspects of BN modelling.
The complex nature of environmental issues makes them ideal case studies for the proposed integrated approach to modelling. Moreover, they lend themselves to a series of integrated sub-networks describing different scientific components, combining scientific and management perspectives, or pooling similar contributions developed in different locations by different research groups.
In southern Africa the two largest free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) populations are in Namibia and Botswana, where the majority of cheetahs are located outside protected areas. Consequently, cheetah conservation in these two countries is focussed primarily on the free-ranging populations as well as the mitigation of conflict between humans and cheetahs. In contrast, in neighbouring South Africa, the majority of cheetahs are found in fenced reserves. Nonetheless, conflict between humans and cheetahs remains an issue here. Conservation effort in South Africa is also focussed on managing the geographically isolated cheetah populations as one large meta-population. Relocation is one option among a suite of tools used to resolve human-cheetah conflict in southern Africa. Successfully relocating captured problem cheetahs, and maintaining a viable free-ranging cheetah population, are two environmental issues in cheetah conservation forming the first case study in this thesis.
The second case study involves the initiation of blooms of Lyngbya majuscula, a blue-green algae, in Deception Bay, Australia. L. majuscula is a toxic algal bloom which has severe health, ecological and economic impacts on the community located in the vicinity of this algal bloom. Deception Bay is an important tourist destination with its proximity to Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city. Lyngbya is one of several algae considered to be a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). This group of algae includes other widespread blooms such as red tides. The occurrence of Lyngbya blooms is not a local phenomenon, but blooms of this toxic weed occur in coastal waters worldwide. With the increase in frequency and extent of these HAB blooms, it is important to gain a better understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the initiation and sustenance of these blooms. This knowledge will contribute to better management practices and the identification of those management actions which could prevent or diminish the severity of these blooms.
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Roskilly, Kyle. "Sensor augmentation of GPS for position and speed sensing in animal locomotion." Thesis, Royal Veterinary College (University of London), 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.669198.
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Broomhall, Lynne Susan. "Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus ecology in the Kruger National Park : a comparison with other studies across the grassland-woodland gradient in African savannas." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29648.
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The objectives of this study were(1) to analyse a data-set on cheetah home range size, habitat utilisation, prey selection and hunting behaviour in the Kruger National Park (KNP), and (2) conduct a comparative study on the above aspects of cheetah ecology across a variety of African savanna ecosystems. Cheetah home range sizes in the KNP for territorial male cheetahs were 173 km2, 438 km2 for a nomadic male cheetah coalition, and 193 km2 and 179 km2 for two female cheetahs. Cheetahs preferred open savanna habitat, although females used areas with thicker bush such as drainage lines) more than males, probably because this is the preferred habitat of their main prey. Analysis showed that while females were closely associated with drainage lines, males were closely associated with roads. A male cheetah coalition preferred scent marking along roads rather than in the bush. Impala occurred most frequently in the cheetahs’ diet, although males took larger prey than females. Cheetahs hunted and killed more frequently in open savanna, even though impala densities were higher in adjacent habitats. Mean chase distance for successful hunts was 18l9 m and unsuccessful hunts was 96 m. Cheetah hunting success was 20.7%, kleptoparasitism was 11.8%, mean kill retention time was 165 min, kill rated averaged 1 kill per 4.61 days, and consumption rate of a three-male cheetah coalition was 1,4 kg meat/cheetah/day. Across African savanna ecosystems, female cheetah home range size was determined by the dispersion patterns and biomass of medium-sized prey. Female home range size was larger in areas with migratory (833 km2) than sedentary prey (105 km2) and increase as prey biomass decreased in areas with sedentary prey only. Conversely, male cheetah territory size was smaller in areas with migratory (37 km2) than sedentary prey (108 km2). Although it was predicted that male cheetah territory size would be determined by female cheetah density, no relationship was found here. Across a range of African savannas, cheetahs showed distinct preferences for open habitats that provided some woody cover. Adults (40%) and juveniles (20%) of medium-sized prey made up the largest proportion in the cheetahs’ diet. There were, however, significant variations in the size and age groups of prey taken by cheetahs in different areas. Areas with the least amount of cover appeared to have the longest mean chase distance, and the greatest percentage hunting success and incidents of kleptoparasitism (%). A population viability analysis, using VORTEX, found that cheetah population viability was greater in a woodland savanna than a grassland savanna, particularly at small population sizes. While the grassland savanna population was most affected by changes in juvenile mortality the woodland savanna population with exceptionally high cub mortality may be a sink for cheetahs while the woodland population with lower cub mortality and predicted high dispersal rates may be a source. Maximum annual litter size and female mortality rates had large impacts on population persistence.Dissertation (MSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2006.
Zoology and Entomology
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Vorster, Paul Hendrik. "The feeding and spatial ecology of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in the Little Karoo, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379.
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The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.
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Seok, Sangok. "Highly parallelized control programming methodologies using multicore CPU and FPGA for highly dynamic multi-DoF mobile robots, applied to the MIT Cheetah." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/87982.
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Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2014.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 103-113).
This thesis presents highly parallelized control programming methodologies developed for multi-degrees of freedom (DoF) robots capable of highly dynamic movements. In robotic applications that require rapid physical interactions with the environment, it is critical for the robot to achieve a high-frequency synchronization of data processing from a large number of high-bandwidth actuators and sensors. To solve this important problem in robotics, I developed parallelized control programming methodologies that effectively utilize the advantages of modern parallel real-time computing technologies: multicore CPU, the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and distributed local processors. This approach was implemented in the fast running experiments of the MIT Cheetah. In such a highly dynamic robot, the required control bandwidth is particularly high since the MIT Cheetah's leg actuation system is designed to generate high force (output torque up to 100Nm) with high bandwidth (closed loop bandwidth up to 120Hz) with minimal mechanical impedance for fast locomotive capability. On the integrated control system, a multi-layered architecture is programmed. Inspired by data parallelism, task parallelism, and the pipelining method, more than 50 processes are operated in parallel, and major processes among them are optimized to achieve the maximum throughput.The proposed methodologies enable the high-level control sampling frequency 4 kHz. With this control system platform, I achieved a high-force proprioceptive impedance control [1], and a trot-running up to 6 m/s with a locomotion efficiency rivaling animals [2]..
by Sangok Seok.
Ph. D.
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Newell-Fugate, Annie Elizabeth. "The effects of two formulations of deslorelin on the reproduction of male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30381.
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The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) is the second most endangered carnivore in Africa. Although several high-profile endangered species are imperiled due to poor fertility, inadequate genetic diversity, and a reliance on specific niches, the wild dog is threatened by decreasing land space and human hunting practices. Wild dogs are highly fertile with an average litter size of nine at De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. Wild dog males have 3 million to 900 million sperm per ejaculate and 45-75% progressive motility during the breeding season. Wild dogs released into small nature reserves in South Africa experience increased survival rates due to sizeable litters, abundant prey, and increased hunting success along fence lines. Furthermore, the current demand for captive-bred wild dogs is low due to lack of demand by overseas zoos and the inability of nature reserves to accommodate more dogs. Long-acting GnRH analogues have been used for fertility control in many wildlife species. However, dosing and efficacy differ among species and individual animals. This study assessed the efficacy of the GnRH analogue, deslorelin, on reproductive parameters of male African wild dogs. Seasonal effects on reproduction were also evaluated. Captive male African wild dogs housed at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre were administered either a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin,® Peptech Animal Health (Pty) Ltd, Sydney, Australia; n = 10), an experimental 9.4 mg deslorelin injection (n = 11) or a placebo injection (n = 6). Treatment was administered during the non-breeding season (Month 0), and dogs were assessed at Months 3, 5, 6, and 7. Reproductive parameters evaluated before and after treatment included: serum testosterone, testicular and prostatic volume, and semen quality. Serum testosterone was assessed with a previously validated double antibody DSL testosterone radioimmunoassay kit (Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc, Webster, TX). Testicular volume was calculated from testicular dimensions measured with a calliper and prostatic volume from dimensions obtained by trans-cutaneous ultrasound. Data were analyzed with ANOVA. Although the 4.7 mg deslorelin implant was safe for use in male wild dogs, there was wide variation in efficacy among dogs. The serum testosterone of implant dogs did not decrease to baseline after treatment and only half the dogs administered an implant became azoospermic post-treatment. The experimental long-acting deslorelin injection was ineffective for contraception of male African wild dogs. All three groups of dogs experienced an improvement in reproductive parameters during the months of February through May, the rainy season in northern South Africa and the period during which female African wild dogs enter oestrus, suggesting that a breeding season not only exists in the female African dog but also in the male. Testis and prostatic volume increased, serum testosterone concentrations and semen quality improved during that time of year. Further studies of deslorelin in male wild dogs are warranted to determine the appropriate dose, pay-out pattern, delivery method, and season of delivery necessary for adequate contraception in this species.Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008.
Production Animal Studies
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Van, de Vyver Daniel. "The effects of a lion (Panthera Leo) re-introduction on a resident cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus) population In Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7420.
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The global decline of large (> 10 kg) carnivores has resulted in a variety of conservation measures being put into practice to prevent extinctions. The establishment of predator-proof fences around protected areas has been a successful tool for reducing human-predator conflict. Furthermore, the re-introduction of large carnivores into small (< 1 000 km²), enclosed reserves has aided in the conservation of many species. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) have benefitted from such re-introductions. The re-introduction of cheetahs before lions into the Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa provided a unique opportunity to study the effects of lions on an already established cheetah population. Spatial data were downloaded remotely from GPS collared individuals (n=4) and cheetah kill data were collected using the GPS cluster method before (2012-2013) and after (2013-2014) the lion (n=3) re-introduction. The same methods were used for lion kill data collection once they had been re-introduced. In general, cheetah home range size did not change after the lion re-introduction. Cheetahs selected areas with a combination of open and closed vegetation covers, while lions selected either open or closed areas of vegetation covers. In addition, as vegetation cover became thicker, the presence of cheetahs decreased. The cheetahs preyed upon seven species before and 11 species after the lion re-introduction. Medium sized prey comprised the bulk of the cheetah diet with kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) being the preferred species both before and after the lion re-introduction. The lion diets consisted of medium to large sized prey, with the male lions selecting eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the lioness selecting red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus). The cheetahs had no significant dietary overlap with the lions and there was only one record of kleptoparasitism. The results of my study indicate that cheetahs are able to co-exist with lions when lions are at low densities in an enclosed reserve. The cheetahs did not experience landscape-level displacement because they made fine-scale adjustments to avoid lions within their environment. This adaptability may have important management implications for future re-introductions of cheetahs into enclosed game reserves.
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Bissett, Charlene. "The feeding and spatial ecologies of the large carnivore guild on Kwandwe Private Game Reserve." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006195.
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The reintroduction of lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa created the opportunity to study the biology and behaviour of these large carnivores in an enclosed system. The research focused on space utilisation and feeding ecology of the predators, using standard observational methods. Changes in the structure of the carnivore guild, and changes in the prey base that occurred during the study were used as natural experiments to examine factors affecting space use and diet. In general, the diets of the predators were similar to previous studies and prey abundance was more important than prey species size in determining prey selection. Changes in the abundance of certain prey species was matched by a dietary switch in lions from kudu to warthog and an increase in the proportion of springbok kills by the cheetahs. There was no significant difference in the proportions of prey species detected by ad hoc or continuous observations. Core areas occupied by the predators were significantly smaller than home ranges except when females were denning. Home ranges overlapped both within and between species, but there was very little overlap of core areas. An increase in the number of lion prides in the area during the study resulted in an increase in overlap of home ranges of lions and cheetahs, but did not result in a change in home range size. Space use by female cheetahs with cubs increased as the cubs grew older. The use of thicket vegetation by cheetahs decreased with an increase in the number of lion prides. Minimum Daily Energy Expenditure, energy intake and net benefit were calculated for the predators using data from continuous observations. All predators exhibited a large net benefit and the net benefit for single female cheetahs was greater than for the members of the coalition. Net benefit for the alpha pair of African wild dogs was lower than that of the pack.
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Baird, Bonnie Ann Baird. "Ambassador Animal Welfare: Using Behavioral and Physiological Indicators to Assess the Well-Being of Animals Used for Education Programs in Zoos." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1522956181121788.
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Laurenson, Mary Karen. "Reproductive strategies in wild female cheetas." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1992. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.240156.
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