Khushboo Khushboo
Project
Cheetah Ecology in the Rangelands of Northern KenyaThis study investigates the ecology of free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in northern Kenya, focusing on Loisaba Conservancy and Mugie Conservancy in Laikipia County. The project will estimate cheetah population size and density by identifying individual animals through their unique spot patterns captured on camera traps. Habitat occupancy will be assessed by relating camera-trap detections to key environmental variables such as vegetation structure, prey distribution, and levels of human disturbance to understand factors shaping cheetah space use. Feeding behaviour and prey preferences will be examined through direct documentation of kill sites, field observations, and analysis of prey remains in scats. By integrating data on population status, habitat use, and diet, this research will provide a detailed picture of the ecological drivers influencing cheetah distribution and foraging strategies in semi-arid rangelands. The findings will inform adaptive management practices within community and private conservancies and support wider conservation planning for carnivores in human-dominated savanna landscapes.
