Feeding ecology of the Asiatic cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus in low prey habitats in northeastern Iran: Implications for effective conservation

Feeding ecology of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah was investigated from 2004 to 2009 in northeastern Iran where prey population has been depleted due to poaching. The survey was mainly based on scat analysis, complemented by kill monitoring and local inquiries of direct observations. Results of the research revealed that the Asiatic cheetahs mainly rely on medium-sized ungulates. However, with respect to low density of gazelles, they catch a considerable proportion of their food demands based on livestock which brings the cheetahs in direct conflict with local people. Meanwhile, smaller mammals only meet a small proportion of cheetah's diet. Our data indicate high importance of enhancing conservation efforts in northeastern Iran as well as other cheetah habitats where normal prey ungulates have experienced severe decline. ► This paper describes the food habits of the Asiatic cheetah in northeastern Iran, near Turkmenistan border. ► We conducted the present investigation within two reserves where have depleted population of wild bovids. ► Results of the research revealed that due to depleted prey base, the Asiatic cheetahs catch a considerable proportion of their food demands based on livestock. ► Livestock-depredation can lead the cheetahs to direct conflict with local people which has a significant impact on the species survival in Iran. ► Our data indicate high importance of enhancing conservation efforts in northeastern Iran as well as other cheetah habitats where normal prey ungulates have experienced severe decline.