Epilogue

The main findings from the study, some of which have led to altering perceptions of cheetah biology, are summarized. It is hoped that this will highlight topics for future cheetah research in order to expand knowledge of the species and its role in biodiversity. Comparisons of cheetah ecology and behaviour have been made between the southern Kalahari and other landscapes, especially the Serengeti Plains. These areas are at extremes of the cheetah’s habitat range and therefore differences in the way it has adapted to the southern Kalahari compared with the Serengeti would be expected. The Serengeti Plains, with their vast herds of gazelle and extremely open landscape, might appear to be the ideal habitat for the cheetah. However, it is not that simple and, in some respects cheetahs perform better in the southern Kalahari than they do on the Serengeti Plains. Arid systems are clearly important cheetah habitat.