The Status of Key Prey Species and the Consequences of Prey Loss for Cheetah Conservation in North and West Africa

Worldwide, decline in ungulatespecies abundance has a direct detrimental impact on cooccurring predator species. The objective of this chapter was to assess the conservation statusof ungulatesin North and West Africa, and the likely consequence for the endangered northwest African cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus hecki) . Many of the cheetah’s prey species in this region are considered threatened or endangered, and are experiencing more rapid population declinesthan prey species in other areas of Africa. Key threats to cheetah prey populations are related to overharvesting and loss of habitat due to environmental changes (including land-use and climate change). The small remnant pockets of suitable habitat and available prey are unlikely to be sufficient to maintain viable cheetah populations. Improved legislative support to further conservation of key prey species and protection and strategic expansion of protected areas is crucial, requiring increased conservation funding, and broad-scale public education throughout the region.