A comprehensive camera trap survey conducted over three and a half years has uncovered a dramatic decrease in South Africa‘s cheetah population, revealing significantly fewer numbers than earlier estimates suggested. Utilizing 389 strategically placed camera traps, the study produced a staggering 5.2 million images in an effort to understand the dynamics of these elusive cats.
Despite deploying artificial intelligence for initial image classification, the process required human oversight to ensure accuracy. “AI is great, but it’s only great about 70% of the time,” explained Marna Smit, project coordinator at Ashia Cheetah Conservation, which conducted the Free-Roaming Cheetah Census, as reported by Daily Maverick.
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Understanding the Decline
The cheetah population in South Africa is categorized into four groups: captive individuals, cheetahs in private game reserves and national parks, semi-protected populations in Kruger National Park (KNP) and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), and the free-roaming individuals found on private and commercial farmlands near the borders with Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The latter population was the main focus of Smit’s research.
Living in less glamorous conditions than their counterparts in established reserves, these cheetahs frequently roam near remote communities and farms, sometimes clashing with human interests. “Cheetahs get blamed because you see them more often,” explains Smit. In reality, caracals, jackals, and leopards are often responsible for livestock losses.
Cheetahs are known for their shy demeanor and minimal aggression towards humans, representing one of the least confrontational big cat species. Nevertheless, their encounters with humans can be unpredictable.
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The survey’s findings suggest there might be as few as 83 adult free-roaming cheetahs, highlighting a significant population decline, a stark contrast to the previous estimate of 600 mature individuals. “This is the first correct, or the most correct, baseline that we’ve ever had,” Smit emphasized to the Daily Maverick. Establishing a baseline is crucial for determining whether the population is experiencing a significant decrease or if these numbers reflect the carrying capacity of the fragmented habitat in South Africa. This decline poses serious questions for conservation efforts moving forward.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How long did the camera trap survey last?
The comprehensive camera trap survey was conducted over three and a half years.
What was revealed about South Africa’s cheetah population?
The survey uncovered a dramatic decrease in South Africa’s cheetah population, revealing significantly fewer numbers than earlier estimates suggested.
What are the challenges faced by free-roaming cheetahs?
Free-roaming cheetahs often roam near remote communities and farms, sometimes clashing with human interests, although they are one of the least confrontational big cat species.