Feeding ecology of the Asiatic cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus in low prey habitats in northeastern Iran: Implications for effective conservation

► This paper describes the food habits of the Asiatic cheetah in northeastern Iran, near Turkmenistan border. ► We conducted the present investigation within two reserves where have depleted population of wild bovids. ► Results of the research revealed that due to depleted prey base, the Asiatic cheetahs catch a considerable proportion of their food demands based on livestock. ► Livestock-depredation can lead the cheetahs to direct conflict with local people which has a significant impact on the species survival in Iran. ► Our data indicate high importance of enhancing conservation efforts in northeastern Iran as well as other cheetah habitats where normal prey ungulates have experienced severe decline.