September 27, 2025
Osupat (meaning Nice guy in Maa) was first observed in early 2024 in Olarro Conservancy, accompanied by another male. Due to the hilly and bushy terrain, sightings were scarce, but the two males reappeared in December of that year and continued to roam the conservancy together. Initially very shy, the males gradually became accustomed to ranger patrol vehicles, and then to the conservancy’s tourist cars. However, by July 2025, Osupat was observed alone, with the fate of his companion remaining unknown. Since then, he has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, actively patrolling, scent-marking, and securing kills within Olarro Conservancy despite the presence of other cheetahs in the area.
Hunting in the dense bush gives cheetahs several advantages: they can catch a prey (including large species as Eland) from a short distance and spend hours feeding peacefully because the likelihood of encountering conspecifics or kleptoparasites (e.g. hyenas and lions) in such areas is low.
Osupat’s ability to persist as a solitary male underlines the resilience required for survival in this competitive ecosystem, where coalitions often have the advantage. Even being alone, Osupat continues the practice of hunting sub-adult elands.
© Mara-Meru Cheetah Project (MMCP). All observations, images and videos in this post are our own unless stated otherwise. Please credit appropriately when sharing
