Carrion in bomas: multiple observations of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
scavenging events and potential causes in managed populations
Abstract
Facultative scavenging can be observed across a large range of
carnivorous mammals, but is an uncommon behavioural trait in cheetahs
(Acinonyx jubatus). Very few incidents of cheetahs scavenging have been
reported, with no explanation given as to why it may occur. In this
paper we provide three more observations of cheetahs scavenging between
2019 and 2023 in three different protected areas in South Africa and
Malawi. We suggest a common factor between these observations, namely
that all adult individuals involved were temporarily housed in holding
enclosures (bomas) during relocation processes and were provisioned with
carrion as supplemental feed. The observed scavenging events could also
have been influenced by the easy access of food in a situation where
food acquisition was potentially difficult (i.e. old age, loss of
hunting partner, mother with cubs). We hypothesise that these
contributing factors, combined with the prior exposure of the adult
individuals to eating carrion, could be a potential explanation for our
observations of cheetahs scavenging. These observations provide a basis
for further research into cheetah scavenging behaviour and the potential
impacts of translocations that require prolonged holding periods on
wildlife behaviour post-release. Understanding these behavioural shifts
is crucial for cheetah conservation, as successful reintroduction
efforts depend on the ability of cheetahs to adapt to new environments
and food acquisition strategies.