Insights into the status and distribution of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in an understudied potential stronghold in southern Tanzania

Abstract

Research on the African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibits strong geographical biases, with most studies taking place within a few, well-studied populations. Here, we provide the first insights into the status and distribution of a globally important cheetah population in the 50,000 km2 Ruaha-Rungwa landscape in southern Tanzania. We employed data from four methods (systematic camera trap surveys, sign surveys, community camera trapping, and observations by photo-tourism guides) to improve knowledge of this understudied population. Our findings indicate that cheetah are widespread across the landscape, although they appear to exist at relatively low population densities, likely primarily due to biotic factors. Our surveys revealed an extension of confirmed geographical range of the species and provide some of the first evidence that miombo woodlands may be an important habitat for cheetah across its eastern African range. We employ these findings to identify research priorities for the species elsewhere in the region. Community camera trapping revealed that cheetah are using unprotected areas, although rarely. Finally, we show that collaborations with tourism operators can be employed to monitor cheetah populations, but also identify limitations of this method. Our results have implications for conservation of the species both in southern Tanzania and across its African range.