High juvenile mortality in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and its consequences for maternal care

摘要: Juvenile mortality in cheetahs was found to be extremely high compared other large mammals, with approximately 72.2% of litters dying before they emerged from the lair at eight weeks age. An average 83.3% cubs alive emergence died by adolescence 14 months age, thus cheetah were estimated have only a 4.8% chance reaching independence birth. The instantaneous rate highest immediately after lair. Before emergence, lion predation major source this mortality, although some starvation abandoned their mothers, or as result grass fires and inclement weather. After again accounted for virtually all cub lions spotted hyaenas taking same proportion cubs. Overall 73.2% deaths study, 78.2% these being killed lions. extent maternal care, form vigilance antipredator behaviour, mirrored susceptibility and, case vigilance, possibly also starvation. probability mother responding aggressively predator depend on species predator. This study highlights importance influence juvenile patterns parental care.