Strengthening cheetah population monitoring for biodiversity conservation

Biodiversity is declining globally, with many species facing threats from habitat loss and human encroachment. While conservation strategies often focus on charismatic species, it is key to evaluate whether such focus complies with the broader principles of biodiversity conservation. The cheetah is renowned for its speed and elegance, and stands as a flagship species for grasslands and savannas, particularly in Africa. Despite its global recognition, research on cheetahs has been localized, leaving many populations understudied. In this context, we first explore the role of the cheetah as a flagship species, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to protect both the species and its habitat. Cheetahs inhabit ecologically valuable areas, particularly were human impact is high and protection low. By identifying and mapping conservation priorities, efforts can be targeted more effectively, while contributing to broader biodiversity targets. Next, we explore methods to improve population monitoring efforts. This is an important aspect for understanding and managing cheetah populations, which are extremely wide-ranging and exist at low population densities, and thereby often remain undetected. Through the application of non-invasive survey techniques such as detection dogs and camera traps, significant improvements were made in detecting cheetahs. These methods offer cost-effective means while providing insights into their spatial ecology and population status. Moreover, the utilization of pattern recognition algorithms for individual identification enhances population estimates by reducing identification efforts. Adopting these innovative approaches can streamline monitoring efforts and contribute to obtaining more accurate data for informed decision-making. Finally, we present four case studies from different cheetah populations at local and regional scales. The case studies focus on distribution patterns and habitat associations, with implications extending to the broader carnivore guild and the conservation of biodiversity. These studies identify conservation opportunities across human-impacted landscapes, such as the conservation potential of specific landscapes in eastern Namibia and the ability of subordinate carnivores to persist outside of national parks. The research findings highlight several implications for biodiversity conservation. Firstly, integrating species-centric approaches with broader conservation strategies is crucial for effectively safeguarding flagship species while preserving biodiversity. Secondly, the adoption of innovative survey techniques can improve monitoring efficiency and contribute to new insights into carnivore ecology and conservation. Lastly, the case studies emphasize the need for adaptive management approaches that accounts for local environmental conditions and social needs.