SREL Reprint #3862

A citizen science survey of cheetahs and leopards in Etosha National Park

Mburaje Keja1,6, Morgan Hauptfleisch2,5, Tendai Nzuma6, James Beasley3, Claudine Cloete4,
and Stephanie Périquet-Pearce1

1Ongava Research Centre, Ongava Game Reserve, Namibia
2Namibia Nature Foundation, Windhoek, Namibia
3University of Georgia, SREL, Savannah River Site Bldg., Aiken, SC, USA
4Etosha Ecological Institute, Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo, Namibia
5North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
6Department of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology,
Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract: Accurately estimating species population sizes and distributions is essential in wildlife conservation and management, particularly for keystone species such as large carnivores. These species play a pivotal role in ecosystems due to their position at the top of the food chain. Furthermore, it is often difficult to estimate the population size of carnivores by traditional census methods. This project aims to produce the first-ever population size estimates and spatial distributions for cheetahs and leopards in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Both species have unique coat patterns, allowing for individual identification from direct observation. Using photographs of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and leopards (Panthera pardus) submitted by visitors to Etosha National Park from 2024 to 2025, we use a specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform (i.e. the African Carnivore Wildbook) to aid in identifying individuals. The data will be analysed within a spatially explicit capture–mark–recapture framework to generate population estimates and confidence intervals. The principal output of this project will be providing up-to-date population size estimates for cheetahs and leopards in Etosha National Park, a priority expressed by the Etosha Ecological Institute and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. This research will contribute to the management of Etosha National Park by providing essential data to inform conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these keystone species and their ecosystems.

Keywords: conservation, keystone species, large carnivores, participatory science

SREL Reprint #3862

Keja, M., M. Hauptfleisch, T. Nzuma, J. Beasley, C. Cloete, and S. Périquet-Pearce. 2025. A citizen science survey of cheetahs and leopards in Etosha National Park. African Journal of Wildlife Research 55: 455-457. 

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).