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).

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.

DOGS SAVING CATS

In February we got a new member of our CCF ecology team, a 2 year old Border Collie, Finn. I wanted you to meet Finn and know more about our new cheetah friend! Finn was rescued from Mid-Atlantic Border Collie by Chris Bartos, one of the Philadelphia Zoo curators, after looking actively for the right dog for CCF’s research. Chris is a search and rescue dog trainer and she and I began making this plan about five years ago when we first met at the Philadelphia Zoo. More