04.03.2017
Cheetah cubs learn surviving strategies from behavioral adaptations displayed by their mothers. Cubs raised by the mothers tolerant to high human activity (i.e. tourism, grazing, motorbike transportation etc.), tend to be relaxed in such areas.
We observed Malaika’s daughter Maikia curiously watching two men walking in front of their camp. Malkia spotted them while heading to the river, and after observing each other for 5 minutes, two species moved in different directions and soon disappeared in the thick bush on two sides of the camp. Another cheetah – daughter of Rani, recently was patiently waiting for a motorbike and a car to pass by her before crossing the road to the other side of the field. Her mother Rani spent half of the time bringing up her cubs in the areas with grazing and motorbike activity, and did not display any discomfort in such situations. Such adaptation is beneficial in the areas where humans are tolerant to cheetahs, as it provides the opportunity for the species to roam within the ecosystem. On the contrary, in the areas where cheetahs perceived as problematic, close encounter with humans can cost them the life. Therefore, community education on conservation issues plays a significant role in promoting human tolerance to cheetahs.
