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Hunting tactics of cheetahs
Cheetahs do not rely solely on speed, study finds

Despite the well-known adage that cheetahs simply "outrun" their prey, the new research has shown that may adapt their hunt to different prey species, even anticipating their escape tactics.

A team of researchers from Queen's University Belfast collaborated with several UK institutions, using GPS and accelerometer data loggers, as well as traditional observation methods, to track the cheetahs' movements.

Lead researcher Dr Michael Scantlebury explained that previous beliefs that cheetahs are simply faster than their prey, do not explain how they are able to catch more agile animals.

He explained: "We now know that rather than a simple maximum speed chase… cheetahs first accelerate rapidly to get them close to the prey, but then have to actively slow down to be able to match prey escape manoeuvres.

"It is like a deadly tango between the hunter and the hunted, with one mirroring the escape tactics of the other."

Dr Scantlebury added that the time cheetahs spend in the initial high-speed phase and the second slower phase changes according to the prey species.

Ostriches, hares and steenbok, he says, attempt to escape predators with sudden changes in direction, whereas wildebeest, gemsbok and springbok try to run fast in a straight line.

The research team also discovered that cheetah movements differ in successful and non-successful hunts. Non-successful hunts appeared to involve less energy and less turning at the end of the hunt, probably because the cheetah realised it would not be able to catch up.

Dr Scantlebury concluded: "These exciting findings are an important foundation for ensuring the preservation of these magnificent animals and for future studies in this area."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."