Australian Digital Theses Program

Thesis Details
Title	Social and Reproductive Behaviours in the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in a Captive Population
Author	Bradford-Wright, Rebecca Ruth
Institution	Flinders University
Date	2013
Abstract	The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is an iconic animal that has had one of the longest associations with people in recorded history. While considerable research has been performed on their behaviour in the wild, there has been very little focus on cheetah behaviour in captivity. Behavioural studies on captive populations are needed to understand the social dynamics of this species and how they may impact on breeding success. Using a captive population of cheetahs at Monarto Zoological Park in South Australia, I examine the behavioural repertoire of the captive cheetah, behavioural cues to oestrous in females, and the dynamics of male coalitions that resulted in successful mating. Among the many results from this study, I show that oestrous is indicated by specific tail movements, that male coalitions show complex dominance interactions, and that understanding both these aspects can help design management practices that facilitate successful mating. The results have wide implications for captive breeding of cheetahs.
Thesis	01Front.pdf 34.6 Kb 02Chapter1.pdf 95.3 Kb 03Chapter2.pdf 160.8 Kb 04Chapter3.pdf 5829.4 Kb 05Chapter4.pdf 803.1 Kb 06Chapter5.pdf 1161.6 Kb 07Chapter6.pdf 618.8 Kb 08Chapter7.pdf 62.4 Kb