Abstract Leopards Panthera pardus have a catholic diet and are generally thought to prey on medium‐sized ungulates; however, knowledge which species actually preferred avoided is lacking, along with an understanding of why such preferences arise. Twenty‐nine published four unpublished studies leopard that had relative abundance estimates associated them were analysed from 13 countries in 41 different spatial locations or temporal periods throughout the distribution leopard. A Jacobs' index...

Abstract As a charismatic carnivore that is vulnerable to extinction, many studies have been conducted on predation by the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus . Cheetah are generally considered capture medium‐sized prey; however, which species actually preferred and why has yet be addressed. We used data from 21 published two unpublished six countries throughout distribution of determine prey were avoided using Jacobs' index. The mean index value for each was as dependent variable in multiple...

Valuable conservation research on the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) has identified that its current endangerment is primarily due to human persecution, although habitat alteration, interference competition with other large predators, and disease also are factors. Numerous studies have thus determined what should be avoided sustain an population, yet in this study we identify needed conserve a population by using Jacobs' index determine preferred prey species. Twenty-four assessments of...

Summary We evaluated one of the most extensive efforts to date re‐introduce an endangered species: attempts establish actively managed meta‐population African wild dogs Lycaon pictus in South Africa. Using information‐theoretic approach, known‐fate modelling program mark was employed estimate survival re‐introduced and their offspring, model covariate effects relative survival. Multiple a priori hypotheses on correlates re‐introduction success were tested (collated from individual...

1 Understanding the effects of disease is critical to determining appropriate management responses, but estimating those in wildlife species challenging. We used bovine tuberculosis (BTB) African buffalo Syncerus caffer population Kruger National Park, South Africa, as a case study highlight issues associated with chronic long-lived host. 2 known and radiocollared buffalo, aerial census data, natural gradient pathogen prevalence investigate if: (i) at individual level, BTB infection reduces...

Abstract: Apex predators are often threatened with extinction, and reintroduction is one method conservation managers using to secure their persistence. Yet the ability predict what these will eat upon lacking. Here we test predictions of diet lion ( Panthera leo ), derived from dietary electivity index optimality theory, independent data collected reintroduced resident populations. We solved Jacobs’ preference equation for each prey species values calculated by Hayward Kerley (2005)...

A resurvey of a sample marula trees (n = 474) in the Kruger National Park (KNP) originally documented 2001, was conducted 2008 to determine response this population segment conditions prevalent during that time. These included an increasing elephant and changes KNP fire policy. The overall mortality rate estimated be 2.6% per annum, with for individuals > 5 m height being 3.7% annum. highest level found 5–8 class (7.1% annum), while number dead occurred 11–15 (25). In addition minimal...

Abstract In South Africa, more than 30 small, enclosed game reserves have reintroduced lions over the last two decades, which now house 500 individuals. There is a high risk of inbreeding in these fragmented, fenced and isolated populations, may be compounded by lack management guidelines. A population 11 founder Panthera leo was to Madikwe Game Reserve 1995, this has turn become source for reestablishing other populations. Only four lineages were reintroduced, males related females, since...

We report on the long-distance movements of subadult female buffalo within a Transfrontier Conservation Area in Africa. Our observations confirm that bovine tuberculosis and other diseases can spread between populations across national parks, community land, countries, thus posing risk to animal human health surrounding wildlife areas.

Abstract An outbreak of rabies in a pack endangered wild dogs ( Lycaon pictus ) the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, is described. The outbreak, which occurred early 2000, was second followed their re‐introduction to Reserve 1995. resulted death or disappearance 10 out 12 eight‐month‐old pups. Gene sequence analysis indicates that virus distinct from previous, 1997, although it falls within same group as other canid isolates northern Africa. Since jackals Canis mesomelas are principal...

Forty free-ranging white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) were anesthetized with etorphine, azaperone, and hyaluronidase in Kruger National Park, South Africa, between February August 2009. Eighteen received butorphanol the dart combination, 22 had administered intravenously within 15 min of darting. Body position, blood gas values, heart rate, respiratory temperature measured at two time points after darting, approximately 10 apart (sample 1 mean collection 9.4 ± 2.7 min; sample 2 time,...

Large carnivores are key foci for conservationists, tour operators and hunters alike. They provide revenue-generating opportunities,but also can be keystone species in conservation areas, influencing the maintenance of biological diversity. often degrade livelihoods people when coming into conflict with livestock land-uses. We acknowledge these challenges specifically cases where large present small areas propose an alternative strategy to traditional carrying capacity approaches, directed...

Opioid-induced immobilization is associated with severe respiratory depression in the white rhinoceros. We evaluated efficacy of butorphanol and oxygen insufflation alleviating opioid-induced eight boma-managed Chemical etorphine, azaperone hyaluronidase, as per standard procedure for rhinoceros, caused hypoxaemia (PaO2 = 27 ± 7 mmHg [mean SD]), hypercapnia (PaCO2 82 6 mmHg) acidosis (pH =7.26 0.02) control trial at 5 min. Compared to pre-intervention values, administration (without oxygen)...

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) inflicts severe economic losses within infected countries and is arguably the most important trade-restricting livestock in world. In southern Africa, African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are major reservoir of South Territories (SAT) types virus. With progressive expansion transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), risk FMD outbreaks expected to increase due a higher probability buffalo/livestock contacts. To investigate dynamics around Great Limpopo TFCA...

African rhinoceroses (rhinos) experienced a poaching onslaught since 2008 with the epicentre in South Africa where most of world’s rhinos occur. national parks, under management National Parks (SANParks), are custodian to 49% Africa’s white and 31% country’s black rhinos. We collated information on rhino population sizes seven parks from 2011 2015. include report surveys Kruger Park during 2014 Southwestern increased over study period, which allows SANParks achieve its contribution 2020...

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis is endemic in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population Kruger National Park and other conservation areas South Africa. The disease has been diagnosed a total of 21 free ranging or semi-free wildlife species country with highly variable presentations terms clinical signs as well severity distribution tuberculous lesions. Most are spillover dead-end hosts without significant role epidemiology disease. White rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum)...

Annual mortality events in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) the Olifants River Gorge Kruger National Park, South Africa, were experienced between 2008 and 2012, during which at least 216 died. Live lethargic. Necropsy examination of 56 affected showed dark yellow-brown firm nodules both somatic fat abdominal body. In all 11 submitted for histology, degenerative, necrotic, inflammatory changes supported a diagnosis steatitis types. Crocodiles are apex predators this anthropogenically...

Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, has become established in Kruger National Park, South Africa, the cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population and other species. TB prey species resulted infection morbidity resident lion (Panthera leo) prides. The only validated live animal test currently available for lions is intradermal tuberculin test. Because this requires capture twice, 72 hr apart, of free-ranging to read results, it logistically difficult administer a large...