My Forty-Two Years in Cheetah and Wild Dog Conservation Ann Van

MY FORTY-TWO YEARS IN CHEETAH AND WILD DOG CONSERVATION

ANN VAN DYK

An account of achievements over more than four decades in cheetah and wild dog conservation by The Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre and De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch, Bela Bela, South Africa 1971–2013

MY FORTY-TWO YEARS IN CHEETAH AND WILD DOG CONSERVATION

ANN VAN DYK

I am deeply indebted to the following: Cynthia Kemp for her valuable advice and time spent editing this document; Alan Strachan for constructive suggestions and aid with illustrative and other material; Marilyn Hull for her encouragement and editorial assistance; Petro van Eeden for helping to compile the list of research projects. A special word of thanks to my nephews; Eric, whose selfless and untiring efforts have helped to make the Centre what it is today, and Mark, for his constant support.

The Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre Box 1756, Hartbeespoort, 0216, South Africa telephone +27 (0) 12 504 9906/7/8 cellphone +27 (0) 83 892 0515 e-mail [email protected] www.dewildt.co.za

De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch Box 808, Bela Bela, 0480, South Africa telephone +27 (0) 87 751 4001 cellphone +27 (0) 83 257 7395 e-mail [email protected] www.dewildt.co.za

The De Wildt Cheetah Lodge Box 1756, Hartbeespoort, 0216, South Africa cellphone +27 (0) 79 266 2716 e-mail [email protected] www.dewildt.co.za

Printed on Cocoon, 100% recycled paper

THE AIM OF THIS DOCUMENT a) to outline the important and far-reaching achievements of the privately owned, not-for- profit, Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre (later expanding to the De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch near Bela Bela), particularly in the management and breeding of some southern African endangered species such as cheetah, wild dog, riverine rabbit, suni antelope, Cape griffon and Egyptian vulture. b) to examine the logistics of providing unique facilities where endangered animals can be observed at close quarters, interacting with their environment; and to examine the development of a number of diverse genetic lines (invaluable for future restocking in areas where populations are either decimated or require new blood lines). c) to give credit to the work undertaken by the veterinarians, researchers and zoologists (local and international), as well as past and present staff at the Centre and Shingwedzi, all of whom have contributed significantly to the Centre’s success; all research projects are undertaken with the approval of the Centre’s Research Committee and in many cases with the support of the University of Pretoria and are subject to the approval of the University’s Ethics Committee. d) to thank the many veterinarians and veterinary clinics, who over the years have believed in and supported our cause. e) to express my gratitude to the large corporations, businesses and private enterprises who have sponsored, donated and contributed over the past 42 years. f) to acknowledge the cooperation of government, specifically the departments of Nature Conservation and Education. g) to indicate direction for the future: in order to preserve the continent’s varied and amazing wildlife, young people need to be involved now and as a matter of urgency; the Centre sees this as a priority and The Outreach Education Programme is its flagship.

Junior rangers meet Byron 3

CONTENTS

The aim of this document 3 Accolades 5 Veterinary Collaboration 6 National Zoological Gardens 7 The De Wildt, Shingwedzi and Lodge teams 8

CHEETAH CONSERVATION (1971–2012)

Distribution, past and present 10 The De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre 11 The early days 12 The opening of the Centre 13 The breakthrough: the birth of 23 cubs from 6 females 15 Birth of a king cheetah 17 Full king litter 19 Placement of cheetah cubs born in captivity 20 Release of captive-born cheetahs into their natural environment 24 Release of captive-born and wild-caught cheetahs on Jubatus Cheetah Reserve 29 Release of captive-born cheetahs on Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve 33 The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust 35 The National Wild Cheetah Management Programme 36 Cheetah relocations 39 The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Programme 40

WILD DOG CONSERVATION (1978–2012)

Distribution, past and present 42 Breeding programme at De Wildt 43 The SASOL camp 43 Release of captive-born and wild-caught wild dogs (3 males and 3 females) on Madikwe Game Reserve 45

EXPANSION

De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch 49 The De Wildt Cheetah Lodge 52

FURTHER BREEDING PROGRAMMES

Suni antelope 53 Riverine rabbit 54 Cape griffon 55 Egyptian vulture 55

EDUCATION 57 CHEETA (Community Help Enviro – Education Through Animals) 62

THE FUTURE 63

RESEARCH PROJECTS 64

ACCOLADES

Through the years, the following prestigious awards have been presented to Ann van Dyk and the Centre:

South African Nature Foundation: Gold Medal Award (1998) ‘For the Outstanding Contribution towards Conservation’

Wildlife Society of South Africa: Gold Medal Award (2001) ‘In Recognition of Outstanding Service to Conservation’

Faculty Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria: The Chancellor’s Medal (2003) ‘For Significant Contribution to Wildlife Conservation’

Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia: Conservation Award (2004) ‘For a Lifetime Dedicated to the Survival of the Cheetah’

Afrikaanse Hoërskool, Pretoria: Toekenning (2007) ‘Vir monumentale bydrae tot die Bewaring van die Jagluiperd’

African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB): Conservation Award (2009) ‘Conservation of the Cheetah’

Wildlife Ranching in South Africa (WRSA): Rancher of the Year (2010) One of five finalists

COLLABORATION

The Centre works in cooperation with the following:

Southern Africa and Africa The University of Pretoria Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, Pretoria South African Veterinary Foundation Mammal Research Institute, Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria PAAZAB (Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquariums) DEAT (National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism) North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment North West Department of Education Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Limpopo Department of Education Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Gauteng Department of Education WESSA (Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa), Howick Cheetah Outreach, Western Cape Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg

International WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora); the Centre was the first CITES-approved cheetah-breeding facility in the world ISIS (International Species Information System) 5

VETERINARY COLLABORATION For their outstanding contributions, I am extremely grateful to the following veterinary scientists and zoologists:

The late Professor David Meltzer was head of Price Forbes Chair in Wildlife Diseases, University of Pretoria, and world renowned in the field of captive cheetah management. At my side from the beginning (in the early 1970s), he was practical and forthright. He supported my enthusiasm, and his own contribution to cheetah conservation is incalculable.

Professor Henk Bertschinger, formerly head of the Department of Theriogenology, Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, joined Prof. David Meltzer at De Wildt in 1975. He has voluntarily given a great deal of time to projects pertaining to the cheetah and wild dog and has played a crucial role in the pioneering and success of both these programmes.

Professor Brough Coubrough, formerly dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, assisted Prof. David Meltzer and Prof. Henk Bertschinger with the testing and selection of breeding cheetah males.

Professor Joseph van Heerden, formerly head of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Medunsa, Pretoria, is recognized for his work and research on wild dogs, namely, diseases, immobilization and sedation methods, and the capture and care of these animals in captivity.

Dr Peter Caldwell is principal veterinarian for The Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre and the De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch. Together these Centres house over 140 cheetahs and 70 wild dogs but despite his busy private practice, he assists us with all our veterinary needs. He has amassed a wealth of veterinary wildlife knowledge and is today one of the world’s foremost experts on cheetahs.

Dr Gerhard Steenkamp, head of the Veterinary Dentistry Clinic at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, is one of the world’s top veterinary dentists. He has worked with a variety of wild animals from elephants to honey badgers and has assisted the Centre for many years. He is also chairman of the Centre’s Research Committee.

Professor Remo Lobetti, a leading veterinarian, has assisted with the scoping of cheetahs for the presence of helicobacteriosis and gastritis, as well as advising on the treatment of unusual diseases and conditions in cheetahs and wild dogs.

Dr Emily Lane, a specialist pathologist, has over many years kept records of all conducted post mortem examinations. This information is invaluable today for disease prevention and the selection of treatment. She has also, together with Dr Sarah Miller of Iams (South Africa) and sponsored by the latter, researched the nutritional value of manufactured foods (such as Iams & Eukanuba) for captive cheetahs and wild dogs.

Professor Antoinette Kotze is the Manager of the Research and Scientific Services at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. Her most significant achievement has been the five-year project looking into cheetah genetics and sub-speciation.

Professor Gerhard Verdoorn is well known for his conservation work with birds of prey. He was for many years associated with the Centre’s Captive Vulture Unit and assisted with the establishment of the National Cheetah Management Programme, a conservation plan for free-roaming cheetahs in South Africa.

Dr Kobus du Toit, a great supporter of the Centre, motivated funding from the South African Veterinary Foundation for a much-needed Educational Centre which is today in constant use by visiting schoolchildren and students.

Dr Marcus Hofmeyr, head of veterinary services in the Kruger National Park, was field ecologist at Madikwe Game Reserve when he pioneered the monitoring of a released pack of wild dogs (partly wild-caught and partly captive-born), observing their progress and particularly their adaptability to the natural environment and their interaction with other predators.

The late Professor John Skinner was head of the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria. Through him the Centre worked closely with; Professor Rudi van Aarde, now Director of the Conservation Ecology Research Unit- ‘Coat pattern of the king cheetah’ Professor Terry Robinson and Dr Andrew Duthie-‘riverine rabbit’. Dr David Lawson-‘suni antelope’.

Professor Wouter van Hoven, Director of the Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, assisted with the selection and supervision of MSc students who undertook the monitoring of released captive-born cheetahs (notably Nkabeng Marupeng at Makulu Makete, Limpopo).

Dr Cindy Harper,Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Onderstepoort, has catalogued the many blood samples taken over the years from the Centre’s cheetahs and wild dogs, and from them has compiled an extensive DNA database. This has assisted Dr Stephen O’Brien, head of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, University of Maryland, USA, to complete his study on the king cheetah gene.

The late Professor Linda Munson, formerly of the Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA, was a dedicated veterinarian who did an intense study on gastritis, a common stress disease found in captive cheetahs.

Many of the veterinary scientists listed above are members of the Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation (SAVF).

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

I extend special thanks to past and present trustees, directors and staff of the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. Without their support the Centre would not be where it is today.

The late Dr Hannes Koen, chairman of the Board of Trustees. He believed in my vision and supported me all the way.

The late Dr Frank Brand, director of the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria was at my side through good and bad times.

Dr Richard Burroughs was the Centre’s veterinarian during the period when it worked in partnership with the Pretoria Zoological Gardens. He oversaw several unusually severe situations, such as a devastating hailstorm and runaway bushfire.

Eugene Marais, my animal officer in the early days, taught me a great deal about handling and attending to animals in captive conditions. He was with me during the destructive hailstorm and later the brutal veld fire. 7

THE DE WILDT, SHINGWEDZI AND LODGE TEAMS

2012 Eric van Dyk, Willie Lloyd, Roy Johnston and Ken Jones joined me to form an honorary committee to advise and assist in the running of the 3 ventures, with Ken Jones as General Manager of The De Wildt Cheetah Centre and Roy Johnston as honorary General Manager of the De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch.

Great progress and improvements have been made over the 42 years and I am indebted to all the members of my team, past and present. Countless conservation students and willing volunteers have also contributed many hours of dedicated work with their ongoing support and belief in my ideals. I am proud of what we have achieved and — with determination, integrity and patience – will continue to achieve.

The Ann van Dyk/De Wildt Cheetah Centre

Shironga Phiri: 40 years as an all-rounder who can be relied on to fulfil any task, knowledgeably and efficiently. Philip Ruyter: 30 years of assistance in countless different ways, especially vehicle driving. Alan Strachan: 24 years of dedicated service as Animal Manager, constantly attending to our charges and always at my side through the rough times. Ester Mokhadi: 24 years of devoted service, from packing eggs to housekeeping to cooking breakfasts for large numbers. Andre Neuhoff: 19 years as Maintenance Manager, keeping the Centre neat and tidy, and maintaining its numerous vehicles on a limited budget. Louise van der Westhuizen: 17 years of tact and patience – answering the phone, attending to visitors and organizing tours. Evelyn Maimela: 17 years of varied work, mainly in the meat room. Alfred Sekwati: 14 years as an assistant guide who is well known to visitors for his cheerful and friendly smile. Elna de Beer: 13 years of balancing the books and attending to our financial affairs – always aware of budget constraints. Marilyn Hull: after 13 years of loyal and professional service, sadly retired in 2013. Chicco Khoza: 11 years as a gardener and all-round general assistant. Suzan Ngomeni: 11 years of willing and flexible help where needed.

More recently appointed staff have also contributed considerably to the running of the Centre: Rita Groenewald: 8 years as Education Officer, teaching schoolchildren the importance of conservation and wildlife heritage. Petro van Eeden: 6 years as Office Administrator. Linda Rosenlöf: 4 years on the animal adoption programme. Ines Everaert: 3 years assistant to Alan, attending to the health of the animals.

Although they have not been with us as long as the old-timers, we could not operate smoothly without Andries Maimela, Jacob Maimela, Joseph Malatji, Rosinah Mkwanazi, William Mkwanazi, Joseph Mmope, Lucas Morase, Phineas Munyai, Susan Munyai and Nurse Ramahlo.

Last but not least, our new generation of conservationists who are enthusiastic all-rounders and tour facilitators: Margerie Aucamp, Michelle Engelbrecht, Sune Gildenhuys, Elrie Matthysen and Faith Rabanyane.

The De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch

Shingwedzi is the ‘wild’ half of The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre. It is set on 856 hectares of natural bush with a variety of game and the unique cheetah and wild dog breeding section. All visitors are welcome and there are self-contained chalets with private swimming pools for weekend guests.

Roy Johnston and Anna his wife have for the past few years taken on the responsibility of managing the Ranch and in so doing have implemented major improvements. Albert Venter and Carmen Bertels efficiently support and assist management in a variety of ways. Rika Lanigan looks after the welfare and comfort of visitors and provides wonderful meals. She also runs the adoption programme. Monique Burger, after 6 years at The De Wildt Cheetah Centre as assistant to the Animal Manager, now is Animal Manager at Shingwedzi. Zane Morton is Assistant Animal Keeper. Jacques Burger is the Maintenance Assistant.

To keep Shingwedzi running smoothly we are capably assisted by the following hardworking staff: Andrew Lebepe, Gladys Malatji, Cedrick Mamefja, Josephine Mamefja, Suzan Manoso, Thabo Mathole, Shadrick Matjile, Walter Modufa, Jeffrey Mogale and Peter Shekedi.

The De Wildt Cheetah Lodge

Eloise Stahr manages the Cheetah Lodge with aplomb and graciousness — the visitors’ book says it all. She is ably assisted by Lena Banda, Martha Maboya, Jane Makhobela, Pinkie Molefi and Josia Tshothedi.

CHEETAH CONSERVATION (1971–2012)

Their future: a slow walk to extinction or a return to the wilderness?

Dr Laurie Marker, Cheetah Conservation Fund, Namibia, in her recent update of the International Cheetah Studbook states: ‘As the free-ranging population of cheetahs continues to decline and a large amount of genetic diversity of the remaining populations is lost, the captive and wild populations should be managed in cooperation.’

DISTRIBUTION, PAST AND PRESENT

Before 1900 In the 21st century

A fast disappearing species

Since the early 1960s, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has been regarded as an endangered species. Whereas in the distant past this swift-footed long-legged cat roamed through nearly all of Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, today its range is reduced to specific areas in Africa and a few small pockets of land in the Middle East.

Apart from the fur trade, the cause of this decline in numbers is due mainly to a rapidly expanding human population. As the planet’s fastest mammal, the cheetah cannot exist in mountainous or thickly forested areas: it needs expansive flatlands on which to hunt and run down its prey. These open plains are also coveted by man – for crops and livestock – so traditional cheetah habitats have shrunk dramatically.

THE DE WILDT CHEETAH RESEARCH CENTRE

Fifty years ago very little information was available on cheetah behaviour, and unlike most other felids, it proved difficult to breed in captive conditions. The field for scientific study was wide open to researchers. With this in mind, Dr Frank Brand, then Director of the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, agreed to a 15-year non-paying lease of 50 hectares of land. Godfrey and Ann van Dyk owned the land in the foothills of the Magaliesberg (west of Pretoria), and it was here that an attempt would be made to unravel some of the mysteries of the secretive cheetah. Thus was born The De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre.

1970 THE EARLY DAYS

Part of the 50 hectares of bushveld terrain

Godfrey van Dyk and the team that erected the initial 20 kilometres of fencing

The 3-metre-high fencing with overhang was sponsored by Ann and Godfrey van Dyk

16 APRIL 1971 THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE

After the arrival of 9 cheetahs (3 males and 6 females), The De Wildt Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre was formally opened by Dr A.J. (Hannes) Koen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria. The event was attended by the Administrator of the Transvaal, Dr Sybrand van Niekerk and his wife, the Director of the National Zoo, Dr Frank Brand and his wife, several state and wildlife dignitaries, and the media.

Professor David Meltzer, assisted Professor Henk Bertschinger by Johannes, taking smears examines cheetah semen

Professors David Meltzer (1972) and Henk Bertschinger (1975) offered their expertise to the Centre on a voluntary basis. They became increasingly interested in the research aspects and the veterinary approach to the cheetah species as a whole. Later, together with Professor Brough Coubrough and fellow-veterinarians from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort, they performed fertility studies on several male cheetahs at the Centre. Of 19 tested, only 6 were found to have 50% or more normal sperm, the possible causes of this deficiency being stress, lack of exercise, and a diet of fatty food. Steps were taken to eliminate these factors.

Cheetahs range over very large areas between 30 000 to 80 000 hectares – males in coalitions of 2 and more, while females are solitary and inhabit areas that overlap those of males. The 9 new arrivals at the Centre displayed a great deal of interaction, with some fighting between the males and females, so the latter were placed in individual 1-hectare camps while the males were placed in larger areas, out of sight and sound of the females. Thus we tried to provide conditions as close as possible to those found in nature.

Taking the males for a stroll up Lover’s Lane 14

1975 THE BREAKTHROUGH: THE BIRTH OF 23 CUBS FROM 6 FEMALES

This newsworthy event was widely covered by the media: ‘Cheetah cubs are thriving’ (The Star, 8 April); ‘Cheetah births may be new hope for species’ (Pretoria News, 8 April); ‘Six-day-old triplets’ (Rand Daily Mail, 9 April); ‘Die welpies is erger as ŉ drieling’ (Die Transvaler, 11 April); ‘Jagluiperds teel aan’ (Brits Pos, 2 May); ‘A world breakthrough’ (The Star, 6 June); ‘Die gemiaau was soos musiek!’ (Die Huisgenoot, 6 June); ‘Saving the Cheetah’ (Personality, 19 September).

Until 1975 few captive cheetahs had given birth to cubs. From 1956–1974 (18 years) only 140 cubs were born in recognized zoos worldwide, with a survival rate of 57%. However, from 1975–1980 (6 years), 182 cubs were born at the Centre with a survival rate of 62.4%.

Very soon a formal procedure was developed at the Centre and this is still in place today. All cheetah births are noted in the International (Acinonyx jubatus) Studbook and each cheetah is allocated an ISIS specimen report card together with a medical and vaccination record which are updated on a regular basis. At 3 months of age a microchip is inserted under the skin over the left hip. At 3–4 years of age, young unrelated pairs are selectively chosen and identified as possible future breeders. New family trees are established and a detailed database is maintained as a means of avoiding any form of inbreeding. In captivity it is imperative to maintain strong, genetically viable breeding lines, should it become necessary one day to add them to free-roaming populations.

Example of an ISIS specimen report card

1981 BIRTH OF A KING CHEETAH

The first captive-born king cheetah cub (front right) with its normal-coated mother and 4 siblings. Until 1981, the king cheetah had been the cause of a great deal of zoological speculation. After the birth, the Centre was hesitant to make the news public, first wanting to be sure that the animal was indeed a king and not just an unusually dark-coated cub.

Decades earlier, in 1929, the skin of a king cheetah was discovered in Zimbabwe by wildlife rangers, though it was later listed incorrectly as being the remains of a normal-coated cheetah. Since then several more sightings of king cheetahs were recorded. All this changed with the Centre’s birth of a king.

For many years the king cheetah was considered to be a separate species of cheetah, named Jubatus rex. The last live sighting – in 1974 in the Kruger National Park by Mr Gary Schoof – created a world-wide fever amongst zoologists. British zoologists even took a hot-air balloon across the reserve in a bid to spot the elusive animal. It has now been established that king markings (it has stripes down the length of its back and other dark blotchy patches instead of the usual spots) are produced by a genetic mutation, the result of a recessive gene inherited from both parents. Normal coated carriers are heterozygous for the king gene. Only cheetah that are homozygous (both genes have the king trait) have the king coat pattern. In the wild kings have been seen rarely and only in the northern parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe and in southern Botswana.

‘Solving the mystery of the unknown felid, thought to be a new species of cheetah – Pretoria’s “miracle” birth. The De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre has announced the birth, that occurred three weeks ago, of the little known King Cheetah’. (Pretoria News, 17 June); ‘A hand in breeding one of the world’s rarest animals’ (The Star, 17 June); ‘This little fellow is one of a kind’ (Rand Daily Mail, 30 July); ‘Hier is die koning van die katte’ (Beeld, 20 June); ‘Seldsame jagluiperd eerste keer te sien’ (Hoofstad, 20 June); ‘Rare cubs make their SA debut’ (The Citizen, 11 July).

The striped cub – born of two normal-spotted cheetah parents – was greeted with jubilation by the Zoo Director, Dr Frank Brand. ‘Having a King Cheetah born here is like finding the Loch Ness Monster,’ he enthused.

‘King cheetah is treated royally,’ announced Ada Stuijt (Rand Daily Mail, 11 July). ‘The extremely rare king cheetah born at the De Wildt Cheetah Centre near Brits, was the star of a Press conference yesterday.’

Two-year-old king cheetah 18

1991 FULL KING LITTER

King cheetah cubs and mum bask in the sun at De Wildt, unaware of the fact that they have made history.

‘De Wildt King cheetah cubs make world history’, wrote The Star on 10 July. ‘De Wildt Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre has again made world history with the birth in captivity of a full litter of King cheetah cubs. The 2½-month-old cubs made their press debut this week. Both are healthy and frisky, doing all the things one normally expects of kittens, wild or domesticated. The birth of the full litter of King cubs comes 10 years after the first King cub was born in captivity, also at De Wildt.

“It seems as though things work in 10-year cycles here,” said Ann van Dyk of the Centre.

‘The King cheetah differs from its brother, the spotted cheetah, in that it has solid, dark stripes along its back with irregular blotches on the rest of its body.

‘In addition to the pair of King cubs, the De Wildt nursery has had a good year so far with 18 births being recorded.

‘Ms van Dyk is happy about the overall situation at De Wildt in view of the disastrous fire that swept through the Centre last year, causing hundreds of thousands of Rands of damage. Apart from animals suffering burns, grassland and trees at the Centre were severely damaged. “As with all things in nature”, she said, “time is what is needed, but I am optimistic that we will get things back to the way they were before the fire. The success we have had with our breeding programme augers well for the future.” ’ 19

PLACEMENT OF CHEETAH CUBS BORN IN CAPTIVITY

After the breakthrough births in 1975, of 23 cubs from 6 females, 5 years of intense research, hard work, dedication and expense followed. Thereafter a decision had to be made on the future of the Centre’s expanding cheetah population. It was clear that suitable areas where the animals could be released were scarce. Man’s livestock and agricultural farming had taken over much of the cheetah’s natural territory, and although there were a number of farmers who valued wildlife, many saw cheetahs as predators whose presence could not be tolerated and should therefore be removed or shot.

By 1980, with 182 cubs produced from 49 litters, our dream then was to release captive-born cats back into the wild in order to build up the fast diminishing numbers of the species. However, we did realize that to release captive-born cheetahs into areas where free-roaming cheetahs were fighting for survival would be foolish and counter-productive.

So we turned to other solutions. At the time, we were frequently approached by zoos internationally, all keen to establish their own breeding and educational programmes (in the past, wild-caught cheetahs had been the main source of zoo specimens). We wondered if the Centre could supply this demand and by so doing, if it would help – in a small way – to ease the pressure on the few remaining free-roaming cheetahs.

Any zoo acquiring one of our animals would receive cheetahs accustomed to fences, human contact and typical zoo diets. We knew that these cats would adapt to confined conditions much more readily than their counterparts in the wild. Also, we welcomed any zoo educational programmes whereby the public gained insight into the facts surrounding this fast disappearing charismatic cat.

Jill and her litter of four cubs 20

In recognition of our successes, we were registered as the first cheetah-breeding centre in the world to be approved by CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This enabled us to export our captive-bred cheetahs to CITES-approved zoos and animal centres. Here are a few of the letters from zoos that have received cheetahs from the Centre:

‘To the dedicated staff at De Wildt. Thanks so much for providing one of the most wonderful animals that I have ever had the privilege to work with. Savannah is a remarkable ambassador for her species and is doing a tremendous job of educating people about the plight of the cheetahs and the desperate need to protect them. I will never forget my very special time with all of you! All my best, Ron Magill’ (Miami Metro Zoo, United States of America).

Ron Magill with the cheetah ambassador at Miami Metro Zoo, USA

‘Dear Ann, Kgosi and Kamau, pictured above, are truly magnificent ambassadors for their wild cousins. They have helped to educate almost 1 million adults and children about the cheetah and have added immeasurably to our school assembly presentations. You should be proud of what you and De Wildt have accomplished,’ Rob and Barbara Dicely (California, United States of America).

‘Greetings from the other side of the world, Love, Charlie and Delta,’ (Wellington Zoo, New Zealand).

‘On behalf of everyone at Animal Ark, thank you for what you have done for the cheetah, and thank you for sharing your life with us,’ Aaron and Diana Hiibel (Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, Nevada, USA).

Captive-born cheetahs at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USA

Cubs at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Queensland 23

1979 RELEASE OF CAPTIVE-BORN CHEETAHS (3 MALES) INTO THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

‘Captive cheetahs answer call of the wild’ by Martin Welz (Sunday Times, 22 June). ‘Cheetahs, like leopards, don’t change their spots. That was the heartening discovery of a team of the Transvaal Department of Nature Conservation officers who spent three months this year chasing through the Lowveld bush to see how three cheetahs, reared in captivity and then released in the wild, would fare.

‘The story of their adventures in the wild was this week described as a major breakthrough in the programme to ensure the survival of the cheetahs, whose dwindling numbers have been a worry to conservationists for many years.

‘The three cheetahs, who first underwent a month’s ‘basic training’ and acclimatisation in the South African Air Force’s wildlife reserve at Hoedspruit in February, were appropriately named ‘General Rogers’, ‘Gouws’ and ‘Oom Jan’ after their senior airforce hosts.

‘Despite having been reared on a cheetah farm at De Wildt, near Pretoria, they took to the wild like old paws. Adapting from a diet of beef on the hook to venison on the hoof, presented no problems to the three two-year-olds.’

Oom Jan, with his kill on the wildlife reserve at Hoedspruit 24

This was a project that received the backing and approval of the Division of Nature and Environmental Conservation and to whom I will always be grateful. Three conservation officers, Howard Pettifer, Piet Muller and Koos de Wet, were selected to track the cheetahs, each on 8-hourly shifts, while 3 captive-born males (mother-raised at De Wildt) were collared and transported to the game farm Suikerkop, at the Hoedspruit airbase, in the Eastern Transvaal, an area of 1 100 hectares. It was typical lowveld terrain varying from grassland to dense bush, game-fenced and stocked with most of the game species favoured by cheetah as prey.

Howard Pettifer attaches a tracking collar before release

Two of the three cheetahs released 25

Howard Pettifer reported how he and other researchers had observed the 3 young cheetahs as they adapted to a hunting existence entirely new to them. He reported their successful kills in detail. The following table shows the species, sex, approximate age and the estimated live mass of the prey, followed by the estimated mass consumed and the time spent at each kill by 3 captive-bred cheetahs during the study period.

The three brothers at an impala kill 26

Later, a 65-day study period took place on Kempiana, the private game farm of Hans Hoheisen, measuring 22 000 hectares and situated in the 60 000 hectare Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park. The initial release into a small nature reserve had already confirmed that cheetahs could catch and kill without previous experience. Now the cheetahs were tested in unlimited space.

Howard explains his new table: ‘Differences in cheetah kill intervals between the 2 study areas can be ascribed to the greater distances covered in the latter while familiarizing themselves with their new environment and the comparative difficulty in locating potential prey.’ Despite the setback of one of the trio dying from a snakebite, Howard Pettifer concluded that ‘this project certainly warrants further research. Additional experiments with captive-bred cheetahs reared in the absence of human contact and the experimental release of a single adult female are needed in order to verify the findings of this study. In terms of the future conservation of the species, the results are highly encouraging.’

Howard Buffett and the author with king cheetah Dikaledi at De Wildt.

Wild-born male cheetah Captive-born male cheetah with impala kill with blesbok kill 28

2002 RELEASE OF CAPTIVE-BORN AND WILD-CAUGHT CHEETAHS (2 MALES) ON JUBATUS CHEETAH RESERVE

While the first release in 1980 had proved that captive-born cheetahs are able to adapt to their natural environment, conservation authorities lacked know-how when it came to the technical and practical aspects of managing cheetahs in confined areas. The Limpopo Conservation authorities maintained that at least 5 000 hectares was necessary to hold free- roaming cheetahs. However, on request and as a trial, permission was granted to release a coalition of 2 young males (one captive-born, the other wild-caught) in a fenced area of 1 200 hectares.

To achieve this goal, in 2001 Howard Buffett (a great supporter and believer in our vision), purchased 5 200 hectares of land in the Waterberg foothills of Limpopo, and founded the Nature Conservation Trust. He named his bushveld farm The Jubatus Cheetah Reserve, and a section of it was identified for the release of the 2 cheetahs from the Centre. I will always be grateful to Howard Buffett for his interest, dedication and support for an undertaking that meant so much to us and the future of the cheetah.

After the necessary fencing had been erected, advice was sought from an ecologist to establish the length of time required to restore the land to full game-carrying capacity, the number of ungulates it could carry on a permanent basis, and how many cheetahs could be introduced and still maintain a viable population of the prey species. The following winter Howard stocked the fenced area (as recommended), with impala, blesbok, waterbuck, blue wildebeest and zebra. Kudu, grey duiker and steenbok were already established in the area. A few months later when these animals had settled, 2 young male cheetahs were selected at the Centre – one wild-caught, named Howard (rescued at 4 months, when its mother was killed while hunting prey) and a captive-born named Peter. Once they had bonded, they were fitted with internal tracking transmitters and on 15 August 2002 the pair was released.

While only the wild-born male made sporadic kills, it soon became clear that the prey they caught was not sufficient to sustain them both, so their diet had to be supplemented with game, such as warthog. About 3 months later, working as a team, the 2 cheetahs were seen at a blesbok kill and thereafter they were able to feed themselves. At the start they selected blesbok, an easy prey, but later caught kudu and impala. Perfection of their hunting techniques came with time and experience.

Combined with other data, this document will provide information for the future release of cheetahs on small game farms.

Yolundi Smith, under the supervision of Professor W. van Hoven, the Director of the Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria was chosen to write up the results in 2 papers: ‘Feeding ecology of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus on a small game reserve in the Limpopo Province, South Africa’ and ‘Home range establishment and use of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus on a small game reserve in the Limpopo Province, South Africa’.

The following are extracts from her preliminary reports: ‘The study of the feeding ecology of the male coalition on Jubatus Cheetah Reserve was conducted over a 27-month period during August 2002 to February 2005 and direct as well as radio-tracking observation methods were used.

‘[In this period], 121 kills, representing 7 species, were recorded and, including the unknown hunts, this amounts to approximately 180 kills. The 3 species that were hunted most were female blesbok, juvenile kudu and impala which comprised 89.35% of the kills and 71% of the edible biomass. The coalition was active in the early morning and late evenings. For the year 2003 a total of 79 kills was made, resulting in a kill rate of approximately 1 kill every 4.6 days. Due to the absence of other predators in the Reserve, the coalition remained at a carcass for longer periods and carcass utilization was much more economical.

‘The cheetahs in this study established a range covering 67% of the total area available to them. A core area of use (10% of the total area) was established in the southern part of the Reserve. Scent markings played an integral role in territory maintenance as a warning to other males of their presence.’

In her conclusion Yolundi Smith says that ‘Reintroduction today is a well-known technique for the management of large carnivores, and animals are introduced back into areas from which they have become extinct.’ The knowledge and experience gained with this and other similar reintroduction attempts are valuable aids to subsequent reintroductions in other reserves. 31

Releasing Phoenix

A slight disagreement

The males enjoy an impala 32

2007 RELEASE OF CAPTIVE-BORN CHEETAHS (2 MALES AND 1 FEMALE) ON MAKULU MAKETE WILDLIFE RESERVE

In South Africa the status of the cheetah, whether in protected areas or free roaming, is critical. Diminishing habitat and an increasing human population are two of the main factors causing the decline in numbers of this exceptional predator. Do we allow it to die out, or while there is time do we attempt to keep the genetic lines alive?

A few decades ago, cheetahs roamed freely over the large cattle ranches in Limpopo and the North West – 10 000 hectares and more was the average size of a farm. The cheetahs that preyed on the abundant indigenous fauna were rarely seen, and seldom a problem. However, over the years, due to drought, stock diseases, overgrazing and feedlots, cattle farming on large tracts of land has become uneconomical.

Numbers of farmers have either turned to a much more lucrative venture, such as game- farming, or have subdivided and sold their land in smaller, more manageable units. These units, 1 000 to 3 000 hectares are popular with city dwellers seeking a quiet weekend getaway. As most were stocked with common antelope, existing game fences which were frequently undermined by warthog holes did little to keep out natural predators. The cheetah (which to livestock farmers is of no commercial value), when seen at a kill, was often shot on site, or trapped and sold on the black market.

Thanks to the generosity of Peter and Jane Phillips, Makulu Makete a wildlife reserve in Limpopo, void of lion (Panthera leo) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), afforded us the opportunity to observe a third release of captive-born cheetahs. This project was to monitor the release of 3 unrelated felids (2 males and 1 female) in a controlled area (4 600 hectares in extent), bounded by an electrified fence (erected according to Limpopo Nature Conservation specifications) and stocked with a large variety of prey species. An intense monitoring programme would accompany this project and only when the female had given birth, raised her cubs and they in turn were able to fend for themselves, would it be recorded as a success.

The goals and objectives were: 1 To determine whether an unrelated captive-born nucleus of 2 males and 1 female can be established in the wild. 2 To determine the range use of the 3 cheetahs in an electrified game-fenced area. 3 To compare the individual hunting methods of the 3 cheetahs and the impact each had on the prey population in a predator-proof game-fenced area. 4 To determine the length of time spent by the cheetahs at a kill in the absence of lion and spotted hyaena. 5 To observe what portion of a carcass was eaten. 6 To determine at what age they are capable of hunting. 7 To observe whether they caught guinea fowl, spring hares or other small mammals. 8 To monitor the health of captive-born cheetahs in a fenced area. 9 To determine an optimal vaccination regime for diseases of importance. 10 To monitor reproduction under these conditions.

At the Centre, 2 male cheetahs were bonded and fitted with standard mammalian radio collars while the female received a contraceptive implant for a year, allowing her to explore the territory and settle, before she hopefully fell pregnant. On arrival at Makulu Makete, the 2 males were placed in a 1-hectare boma adjoining that of the female – allowing the 3 to accept one another even though a mesh fence divided them. During the 3 months in the bomas, they were weaned off horsemeat (their diet in captivity), and introduced to game meat, they learnt to respect an electric fence, and they became accustomed to human researchers and their noisy quad bikes.

Once released in the reserve, the cheetahs would be tracked daily and observations of behaviour such as resting, feeding, socializing, walking and stalking and interaction between the 3 would be recorded. The study was undertaken by Nkabeng Maruping, under the supervision of Professor W. van Hoven, Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of her MSc degree. She was assisted by Narinda Pentz of Makulu Makete.

Unexpected setbacks occurred, however. While in the boma, the female developed an infection in her nasal passages known as Cryptococcus, a fungal disease that attacks captive and free-roaming cheetahs. (The fungus grows in damp, dead and decaying leaves and in the bark of certain trees and when inhaled by an animal will cause lesions in the nasal passages or travel further to the brain.) The cheetah was removed and returned to the Centre for treatment and another female took her place. However, before leaving De Wildt she received a contraceptive injection which would last for 2 years, giving her time to explore her new territory before falling pregnant.

Soon after, one of the males was found dead in the holding camp and although a post mortem was held, the cause of death (thought to be from snakebite) could not be established. His mate was returned to the Centre and replaced with 2 15-month-old captive-born brothers. Following the necessary 3 months in the boma the female was released first, followed a month later by the 2 males and all 3 were soon hunting for themselves.

Due to the initial setbacks the release had taken longer than expected. Financial support was coming to an end and time was running out for the student who needed to complete her assignment. The 2 males were returned to the Centre but Peter Philips, wishing to continue the project, bought the captive-born female and obtained a young wild-caught male cheetah. We await these results.

Maruping wrote up an excellent document: ‘The Reintroduction of Captive Bred Cheetah into a Wild Environment, Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa.’ This study once again proved that captive-born cheetahs can hunt but – as was seen in the 2 previous releases – it does take time and experience for them to learn what prey is suitable to hunt.

1997–2009 THE DE WILDT CHEETAH AND WILDLIFE TRUST

Mission statement: ‘To ensure the long-term survival of predators, specifically the cheetah and the wild dog in their natural environment’.

The Trust was established to ensure the long-term survival of the Centre, which would continue to administer and pursue its role in the breeding, education, research and the conservation of the cheetah and wild dog. It had 4 main objectives: to further captive breeding and the future release of captive-born cheetahs and wild dogs should the need arise; to research all aspects pertaining to the health of cheetahs and wild dogs; to ensure the survival of free-roaming cheetahs in unprotected areas; and to educate South African youth to respect and conserve their nation’s wildlife.

To achieve its mission, the Trust had an extensive community outreach and education programme and a strategic breeding plan. It also facilitated research on wildlife diseases, semen freezing and wild dog contraception.

The Iams nutritional study produced important data on diseases such as gastritis and kidney failure. When wild-caught cheetahs were being kept at the Centre in transition – awaiting suitable release sites – useful comparisons could be made on the prevalence of these 2 diseases in captive and free-ranging conditions.

In 2009, sadly the Trust was forced to disband and the Centre reverted to its privately owned status. I am sincerely grateful to the Trustees who gave me their time, knowledge and moral support over these years.

Now renamed The Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre, and with the financial backing and support of our sponsors our mission remains the same.

2000 THE NATIONAL WILD CHEETAH MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

In 2000 a meeting of game and livestock farmers, representatives from official conservation bodies, non-governmental conservation bodies, academic institutions and cheetah breeders was arranged and held by the Centre in Thabazimbi in Limpopo where most wild-cheetah problems occur.

Hunted and hunter: an all-too-familiar scene today

As a direct result of the well-attended meeting, a short-term strategy was established in an attempt to deal with the animosity shown by game and livestock farmers towards all predators, but specifically the cheetah. With the support of overseas donors, The Cheetah Compensation Fund was launched by the Centre in order to reimburse farmers for any livestock losses they may have suffered due to cheetah predation.

Farmers and official conservation bodies get together to discuss free-roaming so-called ‘problem’ cheetahs

Any landowner, who was not prepared to catch, collar and then release a cheetah back onto his lands would be assisted with its capture and compensated for any losses. The animal would be removed and temporarily held at the Centre and at Jubatus until they could be relocated to another protected wild area.

Sponsored by Howard Buffett and under the guidance of Deon Cilliers, formerly Problem Animal Control Officer in the previous Department of Conservation, the new programme’s focus was solely to protect free-roaming cheetahs.

The capture, collaring and re-releasing of wild cheetah.

One of many rescues: an emergency flight to the veterinarian of a snare-injured cheetah

Dr. Peter Caldwell works on the wounds of Sibella, a free roaming cheetah caught and tied up by a livestock farmer in the Limpopo province

Later, a healthy Sibella with her litter of cubs, Samara Game Reserve, Western Cape

CHEETAH RELOCATIONS

A large number of wildlife reserves indicated here on a map have received cheetahs through the relocation programme and thus are contributing towards a meta population conservation plan for South Africa.

Over a period of 8 years, 250–300 ‘problem’ and unwanted wild-caught cheetahs were relocated from farms in the Limpopo and North West provinces to established game reserves throughout the country. Among them were the many new reserves that had been established in the Eastern Cape where long periods of drought had seen large, unproductive sheep and goat farms consolidated and converted to wildlife areas. Here cheetahs have adapted extremely well and it has now become necessary to relocate their offspring to avoid overpopulation and inbreeding.

Most regrettably, however, due to the worldwide economic recession of the late 1990s, the Centre found itself unable to raise the necessary funding to continue the programme. It was taken over by the Endangered Wildlife Trust which was in the process of conducting a meta population census. Activities have since been downscaled considerably, so free-roaming cheetahs on farmlands are once again in a precarious position.

NON LETHAL PREDATOR CONTROL

THE ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD DOG PROGRAMME

Anatolian dogs watch over their goats

This programme was started as a method of non-lethal predator control. It was first introduced in Namibia by Dr Laurie Marker, founder and director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), to protect domestic flocks of sheep from free-roaming predators. Later the method was introduced in South Africa by Annie Beckhelling, founder and director of Cheetah Outreach in the Western Cape.

In southern Africa it was common practice for livestock owners to set traps for predators, use poison or hunt them with domestic dogs. These methods naturally resulted in cruel and brutal injuries to not only the predators but also many other species of harmless wildlife, especially the aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, honey badger, genet, mongoose, vultures and raptors.

The Anatolian shepherd dog, a 6 000-year-old Turkish breed, was originally raised and trained to protect livestock from bears and wolves. At the age of 6 weeks an Anatolian puppy is placed permanently with a goat or sheep herd. With little human contact, but under the watchful eye of the farmer, the dog grows up and is bonded with its herd. On reaching maturity it acts as a member of the herd and attacks or chases off predators.

Soon after the dogs were introduced to local farms, there was a marked drop in livestock losses and satisfied farmers endorsed the programme. The Centre continues to partner Cheetah Outreach and their efforts to introduce this breed to farms in South Africa. As part of the Centre’s education programme, children are introduced to tame Anatolian dogs used to human contact – often a unique experience in rural and disadvantaged communities.

I wish to thank Annie Beckhelling for her continued support and congratulate her on the success she has had with the Anatolian project. Deon Cilliers, her new manager for the northern regions, has been associated with the Centre for many years.

On the verge of extinction

WILD DOG CONSERVATION (1978—2012)

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Programme has aided cheetah preservation in South Africa, and to a far lesser extent it has also helped with conserving the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Seldom tolerated by game farmers, wild dogs are regarded as cruel, ruthless and callous killers and often shot on sight. The species is nomadic and requires a regular supply of water and a huge range in which to roam. Their large packs of up to 40 in number, hunt food at least once, sometimes twice, a day. As a result, apart from large protected reserves such as the Kruger National Park, today there are few areas remaining that are suitable for them. With ever-dwindling numbers, they are rarely seen in the wild. What is the future of the fast-vanishing species?

DISTRIBUTION, PAST AND PRESENT

Before 1900 In the 21st century

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, this much maligned yet fascinating animal, also known as the ‘painted wolf’ or ‘Cape hunting dog’, was found on African plains in large numbers. By 1930, however, their numbers had dropped dramatically and by 2002 the IUCN Red Data Book for Mammals of South Africa, classified the wild dog as an endangered species. Apart from deliberate extermination, the dog’s susceptibility to rabies and distemper had further reduced its numbers. 42

BREEDING PROGRAMME AT DE WILDT

In 1978 the Centre saw the arrival of 6 wild dog pups from Namibia. They had been donated to the National Zoo in Pretoria by the Department of Agriculture and Nature Conservation of Namibia. They were caught as free-roaming animals on a private game farm outside the Etosha National Park. After shooting the adults the owner took the pups to the Ecological Institute at Okaukuejo. It was planned to release the 6 in Etosha once they could fend for themselves, but later it was decided that the pack was related and too small in number to survive. Thus began the wild dog breeding programme at the Centre.

Thereafter, the Zoo sent to us the many unwanted wild dog pups it received from angry farmers; they had been sent from as far afield as today’s provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as from Botswana and Angola. Using microchips, the animals were numbered and recorded and family trees were selected so as to establish a healthy heterozygous population at the Centre. Unlike the cheetah, procreation of the wild dog was not a problem.

A large enclosure was now needed in which to observe the behaviour of the dogs in captivity and to expose the endangered and much maligned predator to the public.

1995 THE SASOL CAMP

With its slogan ‘Protecting the environment is an obligation not a choice’, SASOL (South Africa’s unique oil-from-coal petroleum company) was then actively involved in wildlife preservation and environmental projects, and on a number of occasions had identified itself with the plight of the endangered wild dog. In 1994, through SASOL’s chief executive officer, Mr Jan Fourie, a partnership between SASOL and the Centre developed which allowed us to achieve significant success with wild dog breeding and release programmes.

I shall always be extremely grateful to SASOL for their continued support. With its first financial donation in 1994 we built at the Centre the 5-hectare drive-through SASOL Camp and SASOL Den. In the large enclosure we would closely observe the behaviour and interaction of the dogs in captive conditions, while in the sunken den we would view the first sightings of the birth of wild dog pups.

Public tours still operate by driving through wild dog enclosures and breeding camps, its guides providing information that attempts to change the negative perceptions that humans have towards wild dogs. Traditionally seen as brutal and indifferent killers, the wild dog is shunned because it attacks and disembowels its live prey – its killing method actually taking only a few minutes. However, our guides explain, a lion may take 2 hours to kill a large mammal like a buffalo. Today, 30 years later, we are gratified to learn that many visitors make the journey to De Wildt specifically to see the ‘painted wolves’. As with the cheetah, a great deal of research has been done on wild dogs at the Centre, and will hopefully continue, in order to benefit the long-term survival of the species.

Alan Strachan (animal manager) observing mother and pups in den

Wild dogs are seasonal breeders, producing pups in the autumn. Under natural conditions, on reaching parturition the female will dig a deep den and give birth to her litter underground. Until 1994, very seldom (if ever) had the birth of wild dogs been observed or recorded.

After completing the large enclosure, and with the enthusiastic support of Mr Jan Fourie, SASOL provided an innovative den, 3 square metres in extent. There were steps under shelter that led down to an underground tunnel 12 metres long, which in turn led to an observation area with a one-way glassed window adjoining the maternity section. From here the birth and early days of the pups could be observed, and we were soon rewarded with the first ever sighting of the birth of 14 wild dogs. A TV monitor in the den meant that on-screen we could watch progress in the den. The loss of 4 puppies just after birth confirmed that wild dogs have large litters but only the strong pups survive; we witnessed too that from birth the youngsters fought for dominance and there was no place among them for weaklings.

Wild dog bitch with pups 44

1995 RELEASE OF CAPTIVE-BORN AND WILD-CAUGHT WILD DOGS (3 MALES AND 3 FEMALES) ON MADIKWE GAME RESERVE

Can captive-born wild dogs adapt to the natural environment? As with the cheetah, this was a question that needed an answer.

In the 1980s, the National Zoological Gardens donated to the Natal Parks Board a pair of 4-year-old captive-born wild dogs and 8 puppies from the Centre. The 10 were bonded with a further 6 wild-caught pups received from a game farmer in the Eastern Transvaal. The pack was held in a boma for 3 weeks after which they were released into the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Although not monitored, they were seen on a regular basis.

In 1995, against a backdrop of criticism from many wildlife experts, the first reliable and convincing trial of an experimental wild dog release took place at Madikwe Game Reserve – then a newly established 60 000 hectare reserve in the North West. To start, 3 wild-caught male dogs, that had strayed from the security of the Kruger National Park, were held in the reserve in a boma. At the Centre 3 captive-born wild dog sisters (southern strain) were selected from the SASOL pack; one was fitted with a Telonics UHF radio transmitter collar, and the other 2 each had a miniature radio transmitter implanted in their abdominal cavities. On 2 January 1995, the females were introduced to the males in their Madikwe boma, and 6 months later the 6 dogs were released as a bonded group into the reserve – an area where they had been extinct for more than half a century.

Madikwe Game Reserve: released group of 6 wild dogs (3 captive-born) 45

The dogs were closely monitored by Dr Markus Hofmeyr, then field ecologist at Madikwe. Later he reported: ‘They were actively killing within 5 days –they never looked weak – and the captive-bred females were leading the pack, so the instinct to hunt was there.’

The captive-born females calmed the males, allowing the pack to be seen by visitors. In turn, the wild-caught males warned their mates of the dangers of the wild. During the first month, while they were busy establishing which of the 6 would be the dominant male and female, the pack roamed over most of Madikwe.

The following year all 3 females came into season. Markus observed that the males fought continually to mate with the females – this was unexpected as it was believed that only the dominant pair mated. Later, in 2005, an MSc student of Professor Henk Bertschinger (Charlotte Mouiex) confirmed multiple paternity in both Madikwe and Pilanesberg’s African wild dogs. The study was once again sponsored by SASOL.

Dr. Markus Hofmeyr, the Madikwe chief ranger and Mr. Jan Fourie discuss the wild dog project

Captive-born Floppy Ear, leader of the pack, with her 2 siblings 46

Then the project took a downturn. Rabies, brought onto the reserve by jackals, decimated the pack. The response was to begin researching an oral vaccine and this was done at the Centre under the supervision of veterinarians Professor Joe van Heerden and Dr. Richard Burroughs. Generously sponsored by SASOL, quarantine camps were erected so that dogs could be monitored and the strength and efficiency of the then current rabies and distemper vaccines could be assessed. Now critics were even louder in their accusations and a rumour was circulated that the deaths of the dogs were due to inbreeding.

To confirm that this was not the case, Professor Henk Bertchinger (once again sponsored by SASOL) sent blood samples from all our wild dogs to Dr. Claude Schelling at the genetics department of the Swiss Federal Institute for Technology in Zurich, Switzerland, and he proved conclusively that our dogs were heterozygous and unrelated.

Following the initial setbacks at Madikwe, SASOL enabled the Centre to further the cause of the wild dog with the erection of quarantine camps where free-roaming wild dogs sent to the Centre could be tested for possible diseases. In 1997 a second and this time successful release, consisting of 2 wild-caught males and 3 captive-born females, took place at Madikwe. As a security, the dogs were vaccinated annually for rabies and canine distemper.

In 1999, once again we were successful in releasing our captive born wild dogs of the one sex with wild caught of the other. In collaboration with the Wild Dog Action Group, a pack of 10 wild dogs (3 captive born females, 2 wild caught adult males together with 5 puppies) were successfully released in the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve. Thereafter, Harriet Davies and her assistants of the WAG group recorded the pack’s movements.

Dr. Markus Hofmeyr assisted by a Conservation official placing a collar on a wild dog before its Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve release

But the fact still remains that wild dogs have large litters, breed easily and require food daily, and so they remain largely unwanted animals. Over the years, many such dogs have been sent from all over South Africa to the Centre, the gene diversity allowing us to establish strong unrelated breeding lines. Nowadays the Centre sees its role as one of sustaining these breeding lines and supplying unrelated pairs for release in suitable areas or sending them to reputable zoos and game parks.

The Centre also does its best to prevent any wild dog from being destroyed – such as a case in 2011 when we were contacted by a distraught and angry Piet Smith who farmed near Bela Bela in Limpopo. Two wild dogs were preying on his nyala antelope, and he was threatening to shoot the pair. He had approached a number of wildlife organizations for assistance, but as it was at the height of the Christmas-New Year season, help was not available.

I immediately contacted our veterinarian Dr. Peter Caldwell who generously offered his services free of charge. He in turn contacted a helicopter service, and set about catching the 2 dogs (both females). Once caught, they were collared and after further negotiations, a few days later they were released in the nearby Lapalala Reserve in the Waterberg, where they have now joined the local pack.

Dr. Peter Caldwell, assisted by Janel Kruger, checks the 2 sedated dogs and attaches tracking collars before release, while farmer Piet Smith looks on.

EXPANSION

1998 DE WILDT-SHINGWEDZI WILDLIFE RANCH

The Centre’s property at De Wildt was now fully utilized and more land was needed to expand the cheetah and wild dog breeding projects. In 1998 a farm of 856 hectares, near Bela Bela, Limpopo, was acquired. It was a 2-hour drive from De Wildt and faced the Hoekberge, an off-the-beaten-track mountain range in the southern Waterberg foothills.

Water on the farm was supplied by boreholes and 3 seasonal dams. An electrified fence surrounded the property which supported rich bushveld birdlife and game (a wide variety of antelope, zebra, brown hyaena, jackal, giraffe, warthog, etc., as well as introduced hippo, crocodile and ostrich). Unfortunately the area was not large enough for free-roaming cheetah and wild dog, so spacious enclosures were made available for them.

The Hoekberge: southern foothills of the Waterberg

Wild dogs exploring new territory Mother and cubs at home in a newly erected breeding enclosure 49

Self-contained chalet with viewing hide and pool

Soon suitable breeding animals were relocated to Shingwedzi from De Wildt. Smaller predator-proof enclosures were also erected to assist local nature conservation authorities when, from time to time, they were obliged to hold wild-caught leopard, hyaena, lynx and other ‘nuisance’ animals until suitable alternative wildlife farms were found for their release. Camps were also built to hold cheetah temporarily for the Wild Cheetah project.

Two-hour educational tours were devised, similar to those conducted at De Wildt. Self- contained chalets were built (there are 3 in all), out of sight and sound from one another, all with exclusive-use swimming pools, bomas and braai areas. Self-drives in the unspoilt, unpolluted landscape of Shingwedzi allow visitors to view game, natural vegetation and an abundance of birdlife.

Some 14 years later, Roy and Anna Johnston voluntarily took over the reorganization, marketing and management of Shingwedzi; I sincerely thank them for the endless hours spent in restoring and repairing buildings and equipment as well as managing the farm and providing visitors with a relaxing and memorable bush experience.

The author with Roy and Anna Johnston at Shingwedzi

2002 THE DE WILDT CHEETAH LODGE

In 2002 the Centre was expanded to include a small adjoining property. On it was a large, multi-bedroom home set in a beautifully planted, well-treed garden. The Lodge offers comfortable overnight accommodation in 9 double en suite bedrooms with home-cooked meals. In the garden is a tiny stone chapel, lovingly built by the previous owner, which provides a charming venue for an intimate wedding. Conference facilities are also available.

The chapel is built of stone from the Magaliesberg.

Conference centre for small groups 52

FURTHER BREEDING PROGRAMMES

Suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus), Riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis), Cape griffon (Gyps coprotheres) and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).

1981 SUNI ANTELOPE

The habitation of this pygmy antelope was known to range from the dense forests of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi, down to the extreme north-eastern corner of Natal. Shy, secretive and nocturnal, it had by the early 1980s bred only once before in captivity, in an overseas zoo. At the time very little was known about the animal and its habits except that its numbers had declined in Natal where formerly it had been abundant. In 1981 a research project was undertaken by David Lawson, sponsored by the University of Natal, the Natal Parks Board and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, to study the Suni and determine how the population could be managed and its decline reversed.

As this diminutive antelope was difficult to follow in its thickly vegetated natural habitat, a large enclosure was erected in a forest to house captive animals. Observations could then be made of their daily activities and general behaviour.

Four years later, at the end of the study, 7 captive suni were donated to the Centre through the National Zoological Gardens and later with the addition of a further 4 pairs in 1985, a successful breeding programme was established at the Centre. After several years we had achieved a healthy captive population and were able to donate a number of the antelope to the National Parks Board for release in its game reserves.

The dainty and timid suni antelope 53

1985 RIVERINE RABBIT

In the mid 1980s Professor John Skinner, Head of the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, asked the Centre to consider trying to breed the riverine rabbit, at that time considered the region’s most endangered mammal species.

Found only in South Africa, in the central Karoo, this delicate mammal is nocturnal and lives in the thick natural riverine vegetation that grows in alluvial soil along dry river beds. Over the years, however, most of this suitable habitat had been cleared for the cultivation of irrigated crops. River water was contained in farm dams, so that downstream dry river beds seldom obtained sufficient water to sustain riverine vegetation. Farm workers and their dogs actively hunted the rabbits. All this resulted in the species becoming the most threatened mammal in southern Africa.

Under the supervision of Andrew Duthie, a MSc zoology student at the University of Pretoria, large well-fenced enclosures were erected at the Centre, and in 1988 we witnessed the first birth. Unlike the common rabbit, this species gives birth to a single baby, called a ‘kitten’.

Over the next few years the rabbits continued to breed well, but it was then decided to re- establish them in their natural habitat, in the Karoo National Park, from whence they could be supplied as breeding stock to local landowners interested in reintroducing the mammal to their farms.

The extremely rare riverine rabbit

1990 CAPE GRIFFON

Cape griffon with chick hatched at the Centre

Vultures and griffons reach maturity at 5 years, breed once a year and lay 2 eggs in a clutch. Many injured and flightless birds, particularly Cape griffons, have been brought to the Centre and placed in its care. Broken wings result from flying into electric power lines, and nerve damage is caused by the consumption of poisoned carcasses set out to kill jackals. In the early 1990s the Vulture Study Group-De Wildt Captive Vulture Unit was established under Professor Gerhard Verdoorn; breeding was successful and over the years a number of Cape griffon chicks have hatched and some released.

1990 EGYPTIAN VULTURE

The extremely rare Egyptian vulture was once widespread in southern Africa, but today pure-bred specimens can be found in the wild only in Egypt. Over the years a number of chicks have hatched at the Centre and are on display, but it is nevertheless considered to be breeding extinct in southern Africa.

A pair of Egyptian vultures with their chick at De Wildt 55

Using offcuts from meat fed to cheetahs, a successful vulture restaurant was established at the Centre. A colony of Cape griffons exists on the uppermost southern side of the Magaliesberg, and often over 100 of its birds were seen feeding on a carcass we had put out for them. Bones were broken and scattered and water was supplied in a small dam nearby. They were joined by marabou storks, black and tawny eagles; yellow-billed and black kites later picked up the small remains of bone and flesh.

The vulture restaurant attracted large numbers of flesh-eating birds.

As human habitation grew closer to the Centre, pilfering of the putrid carcasses became more and more frequent. Fearful of causing an outbreak of disease among humans, very sadly we were forced to close the facility and deny the vultures their good source of calcium. Today, vultures are still seen circling high above the Centre and it is comforting to know that there are a number of protected areas elsewhere in the surrounding areas, where suitable food can be placed out for these amazing birds.

EDUCATION

When I review over 4 decades of involvement in endangered-wildlife breeding, I am convinced that the survival of the cheetah and wild dog species lies in the hands of education. According to the oft-quoted Senegalese conservationist, Baba Dioum, ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.’

Marilyn Hull and Amos Letsoalo with ambassador cheetah Byron at a Soweto school

Deon Cilliers, watched by a group of farmworkers’ children, placing a tracking collar on a sedated wild-caught cheetah 57

A guide introduces a normal-coated cheetah and 3 kings to a group of visiting children

In 1982 the first groups of schoolchildren visited the Centre on walking tours accompanied by guides. It was an excellent opportunity to promote and teach aspects of wildlife and conservation to youngsters who could observe at close hand a variety of seldom-seen animal species: cheetah, wild dog, brown hyaena, serval, caracal, wild cat and a variety of vultures. The tours were strongly backed by the education authorities who even arranged bus transport to the Centre.

Following this success, we developed tours for adults. Guided groups were driven through the Centre in open vehicles, with animal-feeding stops made along the route to facilitate photography. These tours are still very popular and are conducted daily.

Soon the school tours needed a venue where children could assemble. The South African Veterinarian Foundation came to our aid and sponsored the erection of a substantial building which was later named ‘Reach for the Wild’. Audio-visual facilities were installed and exhibits relating to the Centre’s animals were displayed. Alongside the building, First National Bank funded a self-exploration educational playground where youngsters learnt about the big cats and their role in the balance of nature.

Children visiting Reach for the Wild 58

Partially sighted children enjoy a day at the Centre

Due to rapidly rising costs and higher fuel prices, many underprivileged schools could not afford the expense of travelling to the Centre. As a result, in 2003 the Outreach Education Programme was initiated whereby the Centre’s staff would visit local and outlying communities to educate both adults and children about the need to take care of our ecosystems. Marilyn Hull, manager of the project, expertly planned the way forward for regular school visits, established eco clubs and provided input on wildlife matters at farmers’ meetings.

The motor vehicle company, Ssangyong, generously donated a rugged twin-cab transporter so that the education team and an ambassador cheetah (or sometimes an Anatolian shepherd dog), could visit schools. Basic conservation would first be explained to learners, and then children would fall into line and each child would have the opportunity to stroke the cheetah. Byron was our first ambassador, later supported by Yeats and Roy; our Anatolian shepherd dog was called Jedi. The reaction of children was one of awe, excitement and admiration, and our visits impacted markedly on their attitudes towards animals and wild animals in general.

Marilyn introduces handicapped young girls to king cheetah Nkosi

Marilyn and Byron with a group of junior rangers

In 2008, a master’s research project was conducted by Sally Taylor from London University to assess the effectiveness of using an ambassador cheetah in an education programme. Before and after the Centre’s lecture and the stroking of the cheetah, children were asked to complete a questionnaire on cheetah morphology and what they thought of the animals and the ecosystem.

Results showed that while no significant difference was detected in a child’s knowledge of cheetah morphology, after seeing and touching an ambassador cheetah, there was a significant improvement in his or her attitude towards the cat, suggesting that overall the use of ambassador cheetahs is an effective conservation education tool. The study also indicated that children who were most influenced by a cheetah’s presence were those from rural communities of black ethnic origin. This was due primarily to their traditionally more negative attitudes towards cheetahs, usually because of their direct involvement in human- cheetah conflict.

Education officers Rita and Faith with Byron at a rural school 60

Two of the many letters the Centre has received from schoolchildren

By 2012 the programme had touched the lives of over 105 000 people, most of them children. The Outreach Education Programme also teaches children to improve the outer appearance of the schools they attend and the communities in which they live. One example is the twinning of Bachana Mokoena, a country school in GaRankuwa, with Woodhill College in Pretoria East.

As a result of this friendship, a Johannesburg underwriting company called Wheels generously sponsored gas-cookers and utensils to help the GaRankuwa school daily feed their hungry learners (75% of whom were orphans). When we first went to the school it was a desperate mess of dust and litter. The Outreach Programme introduced the children and teachers to alternatives, and a visit to the school today is very different: there are beautiful gardens with neatly mowed lawns, trees and flowers, a well-kept vegetable garden and an operative recycling project. This is a perfect example of how, by taking the conservation message into schools, we can assist in uplifting them.

Children at Bachana Mokoena school are given their daily meal 61

Before After

The school grounds at Bachana Mokoena

CHEETA (COMMUNITY HELP ENVIRO – EDUCATION THROUGH ANIMALS)

The success of the education programme culminated in its registration as an NPO (Non- profit Organization) with its focus on education. Known as CHEETA (Community Help Enviro – Education Through Animals: NPO Registration 2010/00835 /08, Box 1756, 0216 Hartbeespoort), it offers a range of educational initiatives.

Its mission: Create environmental awareness and community development through education and the sense of touch. It focuses on suitable and sustainable programmes for children in disadvantaged communities.

Rita Groenewald, manager of the CHEETA programme, encourages youngsters to study and learn at school and so improve their educational standards. At the same time they are encouraged to develop a worthwhile occupational hobby. The programme seeks to change mindsets through learning and caring not only for themselves, but also for animals, natural resources and those living around them.

To facilitate informative tours, plans are on the drawing board to erect a bush camp at the De Wildt-Shingwedzi Wildlife Ranch to accommodate young conservation-minded, students.

THE FUTURE

When I think about my 42 years in wildlife conservation, I realize how fortunate I am to have: – succeeded in fulfilling my life’s ambition, namely, the breeding of cheetahs and wild dogs in captive conditions, and later witnessing their experimental release into their natural environment; – worked side by side with local and internationally respected veterinarians and wildlife leaders; – got to know so many members of the public who manifested such enthusiasm and respect for the work being done at the Centre; – enjoyed the backing of the media – in particular, SABC TV’s 50/50 programme, the Pretoria News, Rand Daily Mail, The Star and Beeld; – shared my responsibilities with an amazingly supportive team at De Wildt, Shingwedzi and the Cheetah Lodge, both past and present, which stood by me through thick and thin.

Without support and encouragement, the Centre would not be where it is today. While it is difficult to predict the future, I feel positive that the Ann van Dyk Cheetah and Wildlife Centres at De Wildt and Shingwedzi will always sustain and conserve not only southern Africa’s endangered wildlife but all of the region’s flora and fauna. To assist in the long-term survival of both the cheetah and wild dog, the Centre’s existing infrastructure will continue to provide unique opportunities for veterinary research, particularly in the field of captive- born releases.

And most importantly, in this hi-tech, money-conscious, acquisitive world of today, I hope that the Centre’s education programmes will ensure that children grow up knowing that wildlife is the single most valuable asset that they can ever possess. They should be made aware that this priceless asset has been inherited by them and is entrusted to their care. They should know that it cannot be replaced if ever it is lost.

What has been shaped by man can, if necessary, be shaped again. An animal that has become extinct is lost forever.’

Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg, circa 1920s 63

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Since inception, the Centre has freely collaborated and assisted with projects related to the animals in its care, and this policy has yielded rewarding and useful results. Here is a select list of publications emanating from studies and research projects undertaken at and in association with the Ann van Dyk De Wildt Cheetah Centre (1976–2013).

THE CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus)

Theses and dissertations

DEGENAAR, J.P. 1976. Aspects of reproduction in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Schreber, 1776). MSc thesis, University of Pretoria.

HUDSON, P.E. 2011. The structural and functional specialisation of locomotion in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). PhD thesis, University of London.

KOEPPEL, K.N. 2004. The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). MSc dissertation, University of Pretoria.

MELTZER, D.G.A. 1987. Reproduction in the male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) (Schreber, 1776). MSc thesis, University of Pretoria.

RUIZ ALMANSA, J.C. 2012. Bacterial profiles and antibiograms of the bacteria isolated on the exposed pulps of dogs and cheetah canine teeth. In partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of MSc Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.

WILSON, K.A. 2006. Status and distribution of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) outside formal conservation areas in the Thabazimbi district of the Limpopo Province. MSc (Wildlife Management) dissertation, University of Pretoria.

Publications

BERRY, W.L., JARDINE, J.E. & ESPIE, I.W. 1997. Pulmonary cryptococcoma and cryptococcal meningo- encephalomyelitis in a king cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 28, 485– 490.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., ASA, C.S., CALLE, P.P., LONG, J.A., BAUMAN, K., DE MATTEO, K., TRIGG, T.E., JÖCHLE, W. & HUMAN, A. 2001. Control of reproduction and sex related behaviour in exotic wild carnivores with the GnRH analogue deslorelin: preliminary observations. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement 57, 275–283.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J. & HUMAN, A. 2002. Contraception of lions and cheetahs using the GnRH analogue deslorelin. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 37, 226.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., JAGOB, J.O. & NÖTHLING, A. 2006. Repeated use of the GnRH analogue deslorelin to down-regulate reproduction in male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Human Theriogenology 66(6–7), 1762–1767.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., KOSTER, L. & HUMAN, A, 2003. Monitoring of stress in cheetahs. Proceedings of the 19th Faculty Day of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, 25 September 2003, 15. Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J. & MELTZER, D.G.A. 1998. Reproduction in male cheetahs 2: sperm morphology. In Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 153–158. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Association.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., MELTZER, D.G. & VAN DYK, A. 2008. Captive breeding of cheetahs in South Africa – 30 years of data from the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, Special issue: 16th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, 43(Supplement 2), 66–73.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., MELTZER, D.G.A., VAN DYK, A., COUBROUGH, R.I., SOLEY, J.T. & COLLETT, F.A. 1984. Cheetah lifeline. Nuclear Active 30, 2–7. 64

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., MELTZER, D.G.A., VAN DYK, A. & STRACHAN, A. 1998. Breeding of female cheetah in captivity. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 168–174. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Association.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., NÖTHLING, J.O., NARDINI, R., HEMMELDER, S. & BROEKHUISEN, M. 2002. Collection of semen in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) using electro-ejaculation: attempts to avoid urine contamination. Advances in Ethology 37, 122.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., TRIGG, T.E., JÖCHLE, W. & HUMAN, A. 2001. Contraception of some African wild carnivores in southern Africa using deslorelin down-regulation of LH and FSH. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Fertility Control in Wildlife, Skukuza 19–22 August 2001, 66–67.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., TRIGG, T.E., JÖCHLE, W. & HUMAN, A. 2002. Induction of contraception in some African wild carnivores by down-regulation of LH and FSH secretion using the GnRH analogue deslorelin. Reproduction, Supplement 60, 41–52.

BERTSCHINGER, H.J., VALK, C.N. & GANSWINDT, A. 2013. Characterization and validation of an enzyme- immunoassay for the non-invasive assessment of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology 180, 15–23.

BOLTON, L.A., LOBETTI, R.G., EVEZARD, D.N., PICARD, J.A., NESBIT, J.W., VAN HEERDEN, J. & BURROUGHS, R.E.J. 1999. Cryptococcosis in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus): two cases. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 70, 35–39.

BOLTON, L.A. & MUNSON, L. 1999. Glomerulosclerosis in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Veterinary Pathology 36, 14–22.

BRAND, D.J. 1980. Captive propagation at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria. International Zoo Yearbook 20, 107–112.

BURROUGHS, R.E.J. 1998. Diseases in cheetah: management, treatment and prevention. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 142– 144. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Association.

BUTTON, C., MELTZER, D.G.A. & MULDERS, M.S.G. 1981. The electrocardiogram of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 52(3), 233–235.

BUTTON, C., MELTZER, D.G.A. & MULDERS, M.S.G. 1981. Saffan induced poikilothermia in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 52(3), 237–238.

CARSTENS, A., KIRBERGER, R.M., SPOTSWOOD, T., WAGNER, W.M. & GRIMBEEK, R.J. 2006. Ultrasonography of the liver, spleen, and urinary tract of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 47(4), 376–383.

CHEADLE, M.A., SPENCER, J.A. & BLAGBURN, B.L. 1999. Seroprevalences of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in non domestic felids from southern Africa. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 30, 248—251.

COUBROUGH, R.I., BERTSCHINGER, H.J. & SOLEY, J.T. 1978. Scanning electron microscopic studies on cheetah spermatozoa. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 8, 57–58.

COUBROUGH, R.I., BERTSCHINGER, H.J., SOLEY, J.T. & MELTZER, D.G.A. 1976. Some aspects of normal and abnormal spermatozoa in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 6, 5–6.

COUBROUGH, R.I. & SOLEY, J.T. 1981. The fine structure of interstitial cells of Leydig in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 11, 97–98.

COUBROUGH, R.I. & SOLEY, J.T. 1982. The ‘dag defect’ in mammalian spermatozoa. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 12, 75–76.

DU PLESSIS, L., BOTHA, A.J., REYERS, F. & STEVENS, K. 2004. Blood platelets of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Zoo Biology 23, 263–271. 65

GROENEWALD, C. 1980 Instinct for survival. SA Panorama September 1980, 46–49.

HOFMEYR, M. & VAN DYK, G. 1998. Cheetah introductions to two North West parks: case studies from Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 60–71. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

HOWARD, J.G., BUSH, M., WILDT, D., BRAND, D.J., EBEDES, H., VAN DYK, A. & MELTZER, D. 1981. Preliminary reproductive physiology studies on cheetahs in South Africa. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Proceedings, 72–74.

HUDSON, P.E., CORR, S.A., PAYNE-DAVIS, R.C., CLANCY, S.N., LANE, E. & WILSON, A.M. 2011. Functional anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) forelimb. Journal of Anatomy 218 (4), 375–385.

HUDSON, P.E., CORR, S.A., PAYNE-DAVIS, R.C., CLANCY, S.N., LANE, E. & WILSON, A.M. 2011. Functional Anatomy of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) hindlimb. Journal of Anatomy 218 (4), 363–374.

HUDSON, P.E., CORR, S.A. & WILSON, A.M. 2012. High speed galloping in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and racing greyhound (Canis familiaris); spatio-temporal and kinetic characteristics. Journal of Experimental Biology 215, 24–25.

KIRBERGER, R.M., GROENEWALD, H.B. & WAGNER, W.M. 2000. A radiological study of the sesamoid bones and os meniscus of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Veterinary Comparative Orthopaedic Traumatology 13, 172–177.

KOEPPEL, K.N., BERTSCHINGER, H., VAN VUUREN, M., PICARD, J., STEINER, J., WILLIAMS, D. & CARDWELL, J. 2006. The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 77(3), 127-130.

KOEPPEL, K.N., PICARD, J., VAN VUUREN, M. & BERTSCHINGER, H. 2003. The use of probiotics in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). Proceedings of the 19th Faculty Day of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, 25 September 2003, 16. Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria.

LAMBRECHTS, N. 1998. Distal limb fractures in four female king cheetahs. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 103–105. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

LANE, E. 2004. Mortality records for cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa 1975–2003. S.A. Vet. and Para Vet. Congress, Cape Town.

LANE, E., LOBETTI, R. & BURROUGHS, R. 2004. Treatment with Omeprazole, Metronidazole, and Amoxicillin in captive South African cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) with spiral bacteria infection and gastritis. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 35(1), 15–19.

LANE E.P., MILLER S., LOBETTI, R., CALDWELL, P., BERTSCHINGER, H.J., BURROUGHS, R., KOTZE, A., VAN DYK, A. 2012 Effect of Diet on the Incidence of and Mortality owing to Gastritis and Renal Disease in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa. Zoo Biology 31: 669-682.

LUDWIG, C, B. WACHTER, S. SILINSKI-MEHR, A. GANSWINDT, H. BERTSCHINGER, H. HOFER, M. DEHNHARD (2013) Characterisation and validation of an enzyme-immunoassay for the non-invasive assessment of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology 180: 15-23.

MARNEWICK, K.A., BOTHMA, J.DU P. & VERDOORN, G.H. 2006. Using camera-trapping to investigate the use of a tree as a scent-marking post by cheetahs in the Thabazimbi district. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36(2), 139–145.

MARNEWICK, K. & CILLIERS, D. 2006. Range use of two coalitions of male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), in the Thabazimbi district of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 36(2), 147–151.

MARNEWICK, K., FUNSTON, P. & KARANTH, K.U. 2008. Evaluating camera-trapping as a method for estimating cheetah abundance in ranching areas. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 38(1), 59–65.

MELTZER, D.G.A. 1979. Cheetah research. Zoön 1, 1–3, 16.

MELTZER, D.G.A. 1993 The captive breeding of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) at the De Wildt Cheetah Breeding Centre: results (abstract). In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of an International Symposium on Capture, Care and Management of Threatened Mammals, 84. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

MELTZER, D.G.A. 1998. The king cheetah. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23 and 24 October 1998, 56–59. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

MELTZER, D.G.A. 1999. Medical management of a cheetah breeding facility in South Africa. In: Fowler, M.E. & Miller, E.R. (eds), Zoo & Wild Animal Medicine: Current Therapy 4, 415–423. Philadelphia & London: W.B. Saunders.

MELTZER, D.G.A., BERTSCHINGER, H.J. & VAN DYK, A. 1998. Reproduction in male cheetahs: breeding management and semen evaluation. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23 and 24 October 1998, 145–152. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

MELTZER, D.G.A., COUBROUGH, R.I. & VAN DYK, A. 1976. Cheetah breeding. A report on the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens/De Wildt project (unpublished).

MELTZER, D.G.A. & MULDERS, M.S. 1998. Reproduction in male cheetahs 3. Reproductive hormone studies. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23 and 24 October 1998, 159–167. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

MELTZER, D.G.A. & VAN DYK, A. 1998. The history of the De Wildt Cheetah Breeding Project: veterinary aspects. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23 and 24 October 1998, 23–27. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

MUNSON, L. 1993. Diseases of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): results of the Cheetah Research Council pathology survey, 1989–1992. Zoo Biology 12, 105–124.

MUNSON, L. 1992. Diseases of captive cheetahs: results of the cheetah SSP pathology survey, 1988–1992. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Proceedings, 151.

MUNSON, L., NESBIT, J.W., MELTZER, D.G.A., COLLY, L.P., BOLTON, L. & KRIEK, N.P.J. 1999. Diseases of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in South Africa: a 20-year retrospective survey. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 30, 342–347.

NÖTHLING, J.O., KNESL, O., IRONS, P. & LANE, E. 2002. Uterine prolapse with an interesting vascular anomaly in a cheetah: case report. Theriogenology 58, 1705–1712.

O’BRIEN, S.J. ROELKE, M., MARKER, L., HART, F., GOLDMAN, D.G., MERRILL, C., HOWARD, J.G., MELTZER, D. & VAN DYK, A. 1983. The South African cheetah: a multidisciplinary approach reveals a provocative genetic status and natural history. American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Proceedings, 16.

O’BRIEN, S.J., ROELKE, M.E., MARKER, L., NEWMAN, A., WINKLER, C.A., MELTZER, D., COLLY, L., EVERMANN, J.F., BUSH, M. & WILDT, D.E. 1985. Genetic basis for species vulnerability in the cheetah. Science, 227(4693), 1428.

O’BRIEN, S.J., WILDT, D.E., SIMONSON, J.M., BRAND, D.J., EBEDES, H., VAN DYK, A., MELTZER, D., SIMONS, L.G. & BUSH, M. 1981. On the extent of genetic variation of the African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Annual Proceedings, 74–77.

PENZHORN, B.L., BOOTH, L.M. & MELTZER, D.G.A. 1994. Isopora rivolta recovered from cheetahs. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 65, 2.

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PETTIFER, H.L. 1981. The experimental release of captive-bred cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into the natural environment. The World-Wide Fur-Bearer Conference Proceedings, 1001–1024.

PICARD, J.A., LANE, E. & LOUW, M. 1998. Cryptococcosis in cheetahs In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998, 136–141. Onderstepoort, The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation.

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SOLEY, J.T. 1982. An intracytoplasmic crystal-like inclusion in a Leydig cell of the cheetah. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 12, 93–94.

SOLEY, J.T. & COUBROUGH, R.I. 1981. A ‘pouch-like’ defect in the basal plate region of cheetah spermatozoa. Proceedings of the Electron Microscopy Society of Southern Africa 11, 121–122.

SPENCER, J.A. 1991. Lack of antibodies to corona viruses in a captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 62(3), 124–125.

SPENCER, J.A. 1993. Lymphocyte blast transformation responses and restriction fragment length analysis in the cheetah. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 60(3), 211–217.

SPENCER, J.A. & BURROUGHS, R. 1991. Antibody response of captive cheetahs to modified-live feline virus vaccine. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 27(4), 578–583.

SPENCER, J.A. & BURROUGHS, R. 1992. Decline in maternal immunity and antibody response to vaccine in captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) cubs. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 28, 102–104.

VAN AARDE, R.J. & VAN DYK, A. 1986. Inheritance of the king coat colour pattern in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Journal of Zoology, Series A, 209(4), 573–578.

VAN VUUREN, M., STEINEL, A., GOOSEN, T., LANE, E., VAN DER LUGT, J., PEARSON, J. & UYEN, U. 2000. Feline panleukopaenia virus revisited: molecular characteristics and pathological lesions associated with three recent isolates. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 71, 140–143.

VERDOORN, G.H. 1998. Controlling ectoparasites in a cheetah breeding facility. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of a Symposium on Cheetahs as Game Ranch Animals, 23–24 October 1998. The Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Foundation, Onderstepoort, 50–55.

WILDT, D.E., BUSH, M., HOWARD, J.G., O’BRIEN, S.J., MELTZER, D., VAN DYK., A., EBEDES, H. & BRAND, D.J. 1983. Unique seminal quality in the South African cheetah and a comparative evaluation in the domestic cat. Biology of Reproduction 29, 1019–1025.

WILDT, E., MELTZER, D., CHAKRABORTY, P. & BUSH, M. 1984. Adrenal-testicular pituitary relationship in the cheetah subjected to anesthesia/electroejaculation. Biology of Reproduction 30(3), 665–672.

WROGEMANN, N. 1975. Cheetah under the Sun. McGraw-Hill, Johannesburg.

THE AFRICAN WILD DOG (Lycaon pictus)

Theses and dissertations

ANDERSON, G.A. 1980. Communication as a social bonding mechanism in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

DE VLLIERS, MS. 1995. Adrenocortical stress responsiveness and social dynamics in captive wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Part requirement for DPhil., University of Pretoria.

MOUIEX, C. 2006. Genetic verification of multiple paternity in two free-ranging isolated populations of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), MSc, University of Pretoria.

POLIKOWSKI, F. 2002. Molekulargenetische Studien beim afrikanischen wildhund (Lycaon pictus). Dr Vet. Med. dissertation, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Publications

BERTSCHINGER, H., TRIGG, T., JÖCHLE, W. & HUMAN, A. 2001. Contraception of some African wild carnivores in southern Africa using deslorelin down-regulation of LH and FSH. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Fertility Control in Wildlife, Skukuza, 19–22 August 2001, 66.

BOUTELLE, S.M. & BERTSCHINGER, H.J. 2010. Reproductive management in captive and wild canids: contraception challenges. International Zoo Yearbook 44(1), 109–120.

COLLY, L.P. & NESBIT, J.W. 1992. Fatal acute babesiosis in a juvenile wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 63, 36–38.

DE VILLIERS, M.S., MELTZER, D.G.A., VAN HEERDEN, J.J., MILLS,G.L., RICHARDSON, P.R.K. & VAN JAARSVELD, A.S. 1995. Handling-induced stress and mortalities in African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences 262 (1364), 215.

DE VILLIERS, M.S., VAN JAARSVELD, A.S., MELTZER, D. & RICHARDSON, P. 1997. Social dynamics and the cortisol response to immobilization stress of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Hormones and Behaviour 31, 3–14.

HOFMEYR, M. 1997. The African wild dogs of Madikwe: a success story! Madikwe Development Series.

KIM, J., GUTHRIE, A., NEL, A., HARPER, C. & BERTSCHINGER, H. 2003. Domestic dog microsatellite markers used for parentage verification in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Proceedings of the 19th Faculty Day of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, 25 September 2003, 41. Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria.

MOUIEX, C., HARPER, C., GUTHRIE, H.J. & SCHULMAN, M.L. 2005. Verification of parentage in African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) packs show multiple paternity. Proceedings of the 20th Faculty Day of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, 15 September 2005, 61.Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria.

NEWELL-FUGATE, A.E., NÖTHLING, J.O., BERTSCHINGER, H.J. 2012. Seasonal changes in steroid hormone profiles, body weight, semen quality, and the reproductive tract in captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in South Africa. General and Comparative Endocrinology 178: 272-281.

NÖTHLING, J.O., BERTSCHINGER, H.J., BROEKHUISEN, M., HEMMELDER, S. & NARDINI, R. 2002. Quality of African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) semen collected by means electro-ejaculation. Ethology 37, 146.

PENZHORN, B.L., DURAND, D.T., LANE, E., IDE, A. & HOFMEYR, M.S. 1998. Recovery of Sarcocystis oocysts from a free-ranging wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation, 69, 42.

SCHELLING, C., VENNOS, C. & BERTSCHINGER, H. 2000. Microsatellite analysis in southern Africa wild dogs Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Animal Genetics, 22-26 July, 104. Stockholm, Sweden.

SPENCER, J.A. 1991. Antibody response to modified-live canine adenovirus vaccine in African hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus). Journal of Veterinary Medicine, Series B 38, 477–479.

SPENCER, J.A. 1998. Absence of canine distemper antibodies in selected southern African non-domestic felids. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 28, 8–9.

SPENCER, J.A. & BURROUGHS, R.E. 1990. Antibody response in wild dogs to canine parvovirus vaccine. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 20, 14–15.

VAN HEERDEN J. 1979. Hand-rearing of Cape hunting dog (Lycaon pictus) pups. Journal of the Veterinary Foundation 50, 189–191.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1979. The transmission of canine ehrlichiosis to the wild dog (Lycaon pictus) (Ternminck) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) Schreber. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 50, 245–248.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1980. The transmission of Babesia canis to the wild dog (Lycaon pictus) (Temminck) and black-backed jackal (Canis mesoinelas) Schreiber. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 51, 119–120.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1981. The role of integumental glands in the social and mating behaviour of the hunting dog (Lycaon pictus) (Temminck, 1820). Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research 48, 19–21.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1986. Disease and mortality of captive wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). South African Journal of Wildlife Research 16, 7–11.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1993. Accommodation of the wild dog (Lycaon pictus). In: McKenzie, A.A. (ed.), The Capture and Care Manual: Capture, Care, Accommodation and Transportation of Wild African Animals. Pretoria, Wildlife Decision Support Services and the South African Veterinary Foundation, 300.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1993. Care of the wild dog (Lycaon pictus) in captivity. In: McKenzie, A.A. (ed.), The Capture and Care Manual: Capture, Care, Accommodation and Transportation of Wild African Animals. Pretoria, Wildlife Decision Support Services and the South African Veterinary Foundation, 312–313.

VAN HEERDEN, J. 1993. Chemical capture of the wild dog( Lycaon pictus). In: McKenzie, A.A. (ed.), The Capture and Care Manual: Capture, Care, Accommodation and Transportation of Wild African Animals. Pretoria, Wildlife Decision Support Services and the South African Veterinary Foundation, 247–251.

VAN HEERDEN, J., BAINBRIDGE, N., BURROUGHS, R. & KRIEK, N. 1989. Distemper-like disease and encephalitozoonosis in wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Journal of Wildlife Diseases 25, 70–75.

VAN HEERDEN, J., BINGHAM, J., VAN VUUREN, M., BURROUGHS, R.E.J. & STILIANIDES, E. 2002. Clinical and serological response of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) to vaccination against canine distemper, canine parvovirus infection and rabies. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 73, 8–12.

VAN HEERDEN, J., BOOMKER, J., BOOYSE, D.G. & MILLS, M.G.L. 1994. The wild dog (Lycaon pictus): a new host for Ancylostoina caninum. Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 65, 18–19.

VAN HEERDEN, J., BURROUGHS, R.E.J., DAUTH, J. & DREYER, J. 1991. Immobilization of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) with a tiletamine hydrochloride/zolazepam hydrochloride combination and subsequent evaluation of selected blood chemistry parameters. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 27, 225–229.

VAN HEERDEN, J. & DE VOS, V. 1981. Immobilisation of the hunting dog (Lycaon pictus) with ketamine hydrochloride and a fentanyl 1/droperidol combination. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 11, 112–113.

VAN HEERDEN, J. & KUHN, F. 1985. Reproduction in captive hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus). South African Journal of Wildlife Research 15, 80–84.

VAN HEERDEN, J., SWAN, G., DAUTH, J., BURROUGHS, R. & DREYER, M. 1991. Sedation and immobilization of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) using medetomidine or a medetomidine-ketamine hydrochloride combination. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 11(3),88–93.

VAN HEERDEN, J., SWART, W. & MELTZER, D. 1980. Serum antibody level before and after administration of live canine distemper vaccine to the wild dog (Lycaon pictus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 51, 283–284.

VAN HEERDEN, J., VERSTER, R., PENRITH, M.L. & ESPIE, I. 1996. Disease and mortality in captive wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 67, 141–145.

THE SUNI ANTELOPE (Neotragus moschatus)

Theses

DE KLERK, G.J. 1988. The ethology and sociology of the suni (Neotragus moschatus). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

SOMERS, M.J. 1988. The marking behaviour of the suni (Neotragus moschatus). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

Publications

SOMERS, M.J. 1993. Scent marking in the suni. Custos 21(11), 15—17.

SOMERS, M.J., RASA, O.A.F. & APPS, P.J. 1990. Marking behaviour and dominance in suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus) Zeitschrift fur Saugetierkunde 55(5), 340–352.

THE RIVERINE RABBIT (Bunolagus monticularis)

Thesis

DUTHIE, A.G. 1989. The ecology of the riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis). MSc thesis, University of Pretoria.

Publications

DIPPENAAR, S.M. & FERGUSON, J.W.H. 1994. Towards a captive breeding programme for the riverine rabbit. (Bunolagus monticularis). South African Journal of Science 90(7), 381–385.

DIPPENAAR, S.M. & FERGUSON, J.W.H. 1994. Use of DNA fingerprinting in planning a breeding program for the riverine rabbit. (Bunolagus monticularis). Zoo Biology 13(3), 231–243.

THE CAPE GRIFFON (Gyps coprotheres) THE WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus)

Thesis

KOMEN, J. 1986. Energy requirements and food resources of the Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres), in the Magaliesberg, Transvaal. MSc thesis, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Publications

KOMEN, J. 1990. Vulture restaurant and captive-breeding project at De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre. Vulture News 26, 23.

KOMEN, J. 1991. Energy requirements of Cape Vulture nestlings. Ostrich 62, 149–155.

KOMEN, J. & MUNDY, P.J. 1984. Management of vultures in captivity; where are we going to? In: Mendelsohn, J.M. & Sapsford, C.W. (eds), Proceedings of the 2nd Symposium on African Predator Birds, 251. Durban, Natal Bird Club.

SWAN, G., NAIDOO, V., CUTHBERT, R., GREEN, R.E., SWARUP, D., PRAKASH, V., TAGGART, M., BEKKER, L., DIEKMANN, M., KILLIAN, E., MEHARG, A., PATRA, R.C., SAINI, M. & WOLTER, K. 2006. Removing the threat of Dicolfenac to critically endangered Asian vultures. PLoS 4(3), 66.

VAN HEERDEN, J., DAUTH, J., KOMEN, J. & MYER, E. 1987. The use of ketamine hydrochloride in the immobilisation of the Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres). Journal of the South African Veterinary Foundation 58, 145—146.

VAN WYK, E., BOUWMAN, H., VAN DER BANK, H., VERDOORN, G.H., & HOFMANN, D. 2001. Persistent organochlorine pesticides detected in blood and tissue samples of vultures from different localities in South Africa. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology 129(3), 243—264.

VAN WYK, E., VAN DER BANK, F.H. & VERDOORN, G.H. 1992. A biochemical genetic study of allozyme polymorphisms in two natural populations of Cape Griffon vultures (Gyps coprotheres) and individuals held in captivity. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part B: Biochemical and Molecular Biology, 103(2), 481–493.

VAN WYK, E., VAN DER BANK, F.H. & VERDOORN G.H. 1993. Blood plasma calcium concentrations in captive and wild individuals of the Cape Griffon vulture (Gyps coprotheres). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A: Physiology 104(3), 555–559.

VAN WYK, E., VAN DER BANK, F.H. & VERDOORN, G.H. 1993. The Cape griffon vulture (Gyps coprotheres) – a conservation priority. Vulture News 29, 4–18.

VAN WYK, E., VAN DER BANK, F.H. &VERDOORN, G.H. 2001. Allozyme variation in four populations of African whitebacked vultures (Gyps africanus) and phylogenetic relationships between four vulture species from southern Africa. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 29(5), 485–512.

VERDOORN, G.H. 1997. Egyptian vultures breed successfully in captivity – a first for Africa. Vulture News 38, 24—25.

WYSOKE, J.M., ERASMUS, A., TRENDLER, K.O., TRENDLER, R., VAN DER TOORN, J.J. & VERDOORN, G.H. 1994. A paralysis syndrome in Cape griffons (Gyps coprotheres) associated with depression plasma cholinesterase levels. Vulture News 31, 4–9.

THE BROWN HYAENA (Hyaena brunnea)

Theses

BOSMAN, A.L. 1982. The social behaviour of captive brown hyaenas (Hyaena brunnea). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

WILKINSON, I.S. 1984. Chromosomes of the brown hyaena (Hyaena brunnea). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

THE AARDWOLF ( Proteles cristatus)

Theses

JOUBERT, M.J.J. 1989. Die seisoenale assimilasie doeltreffendheid van die aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) in gevangenskap. BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

LEVITAN, C.D. 1988. The influence of Trinervitermes trinervoides terpene secretions on the feeding behaviour of the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus), bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) and civet (Viverra civetta) in captivity. BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

RAMDOHR, W.H.W. 1990. The effect of season, food intake and body weight on body temperature and the efficiency of digestion in captive aardwolves (Proteles cristatus). BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Pretoria.

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