Links to theses and dissertations on the topics below, can be found on the ALPRU homepage.

Measuring the bodies of large African predators

Body measurements (a total of 45 variables, ranging from body mass to canine dimensions) were taken from 53 lions of both sexes and different ages.

In an improvement of the comprehensive procedure to measure the bodies of large African predators, two additional variables on the manes of male lions were added; hence 47 variables are currently measured.

For a description of ALPRU's comprehensive method of measuring the bodies of large African predators, see Project 1.

Studying the milk of African lions

The milk from lactating lionesses was collected during different stages of lactation and analysed in laboratories at the UFS. The milk of African lionesses have a high lipid (fat) and protein content. Milk is the sole diet of young cubs for the first few weeks until they gradually start consuming solid animal matter as part of their carnivorous diet.

The authors of the article "The composition of African lion (Panthera leo) milk, collected a few days postpartum" demonstrates the network of individuals from disciplines such as Food Science and Biochemistry, who also engaged in the research conducted by ALPRU.

Feeding trials

Feeding trails were conducted on African lion, leopard and cheetah.
Two additional publications stemming from these studies, include: 
Digestibility studies with captive African lions; 
Digestibility studies with captive leopards; and
Digestibility studies with captive cheetahs

Predator-proof fencing

A study was conducted to assess whether a specially designed electrified fence can contain a wild leopard. The paper The development and final testing of an electrified leopard proof game fence on the farm Masequa describes the modifications made to a standard electrified fence for keeping predators in captivity specifically to constrain leopard. It also specifies the average cost per km to modify an existing game fence to these specifications.

Courses

In a course presented under the auspices of ALPRU between 2005 and 2016, students learned to identify feeding patterns, signs as well as the species eaten by wild herbivores and carnivores in field trips to Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve. 

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