Cheetah ID guide
Cheetah can roam over hundreds of miles, and can sometimes be very hard to find – both for wildlife researchers and film crews!
When they are finally found, it is vital that each one can be distinguished from others who might share the same range.
Below is a guide to the features that scientists and filmmakers use to tell individuals apart…
Kali
Kali is a large, mature, powerful female and this allows her to be easily distinguished from her cubs.
However other methods are also used to identify individual cheetah, and were used to tell her apart from others found in Liuwa:
Spots
Individual cheetah have their own unique spot patterns. Sections of their bodies including their front or hind limbs and tails which can be compared to identify individuals.
VHF/GPS collar
Kali’s collar transmits on its own specific VHF frequency, and sends regular GPS locator signals, which help scientists to both track her movements, and identify her.
Facial markings
Cheetah are the only big cat with the distinctive ‘tear stains’ markings on their faces. This is not strictly an ID point but something that helps to tell them apart from leopards.
