Relative availability of natural prey versus livestock predicts landscape suitability for cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus in Botswana.

摘要: Prey availability and human-carnivore conflict are strong determinants that govern the spatial distribution abundance of large carnivore species determine suitability areas for their conservation. For wide-ranging carnivores such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), additional conservation beyond protected area boundaries crucial to effectively conserve them both inside outside areas. Although prefer preying on wild prey, they also cause with people by predating especially small livestock. We investigated whether cheetahs' preferred prey livestock biomass could be used explore potential agricultural in Botswana long-term persistence its cheetah population. found it gave a good point departure identifying priority land management, threat connectivity between populations, where reduction mitigation human-cheetah is critical. Our analysis showed existence wide base across parts Botswana's areas, which provide high potential. Twenty percent appears critical distinguish low probable levels conflict. identified focal zones restoring numbers concurrence effective efforts most immediate strategies needed maintain still contiguous