WCN Wildlife Conservation Network | Cheetah Conservation Fund (Namibia)

Dr. Laurie Marker

With over thirty years experience, Dr. Laurie Marker is a pioneer in cheetah conservation. On research trips to Namibia early in her career, she learned firsthand of the dire situation facing wild cheetahs. She knew someone had to do something, and she would be that person. In 1991 Laurie sold most of her possessions and relocated to Namibia to co-found and direct the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).

Watch Dr. Laurie Marker's
2012 Expo Presentation

Threats

While cheetahs were once found all over Africa and Asia, they are now endangered in most of their original ranges and extinct in others. Fewer than 12,000 cheetahs remain worldwide. Although cheetahs pose no threat to human life, they are often seen as a threat to livestock. Persecution by humans, loss of prey base and habitat, and competition with larger predators are the major threats to cheetah survival.

Solutions

CCF is a leader in addressing predator-livestock conflicts and working with local farmers, schools, NGOs, and the government of Namibia to help increase understanding of and appreciation for this remarkable cat. With a focus on education and science, CCF continues to expand its model to other countries and contribute to the management of predators and wild places throughout the cheetah's range.

A is for Aardvark,
B is for Brown Hyena

Camera traps are an essential way for conservationists to study the hidden lives of their animal subjects. In the process of collecting data on cheetahs, Cheetah Conservation Fund has also captured many of the other animals that pass through their study areas. In June 2012 CCF began a series of weekly blogs on some of these other fantastic creatures. Check out the A to Z of camera traps in Namibia and enjoy other blog posts from the field.

CCF Blog

Camera-trap photo of an aardvark photo: CCF