Status and habitat preferences of Uganda cheetahs: an attempt to predict carnivore occurrence based on vegetation structure

摘要: In this paper we examine whether the occurrence of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in Uganda can be predicted from habitat characteristics extracted a vegetation map. We first established status cheetah through field-interviews that Gros conducted 1990. Cheetahs occurred almost exclusively Karamoja region where estimated 53–310 individuals. Based on 216 sightings, average number adults all-adults sightings was 1.65 + SD 0.95 and cubs family groups 2.5 1.65. Compared to Graham Parker's 1965 East African survey, adult group size slightly smaller 1990 large were rarer. Comparison with survey showed considerably lower cub-to-adult ratio percent observations than Kenya. A Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis structure areas observed those none reported suggested might favor habitats 25–50% woody cover grasses medium height (50–100 cm). discriminant correctly classified 72.1% ‘used’ 70.4% ‘no-report’ habitats. logistic regression improved correct allocation by 2.2%. Either function or regression, which require only four easily obtainable characteristics, may help pinpoint suitable for conservation purposes. Our approach could adapted analyzing suitability other species carnivores.