A Risk Assessment for the Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus has been conducted by the Department.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “moderate” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Cheetah as highly dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk and with a high consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a serious threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘serious risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a Wildlife Exhibition Licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Cheetah include:
- Limiting importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure the holding facility meets the stringent keeping standards Tasmania applies to all institutions.
- Requiring any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Cheetah species management plan (including enclosure details) prior to import.
- The wildlife exhibition facility can clearly demonstrate they have proficient keepers for that particular species.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Risk Assessment (210 KB)