Cheetah Conservation in Namibia

Changing to world to save the cheetah.

When you support CCF, you help build a world where cheetahs live and flourish in coexistence with people within a sustainable system that is protective of the environment, socially responsible, and economically viable.

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CCF is an internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs.

CCF works across governments and communities to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people.

Cheetahs are one of Africa's most endangered big cats.

Cheetah numbers have declined by 90% over the past 100 years, dropping from 100,000 to less than 10,000 today.

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CCF is dedicated to saving the cheetah through conservation, education, and research.

Founded in 1990, CCF works internationally and maintains a field base in Namibia, the country with the largest population of wild cheetah. They employ a holistic approach that balances the needs of people, wildlife, and land.

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Cheetahs are one of Africa's most endangered big cats.

Cheetah numbers have declined by 90% over the past 100 years, dropping from 100,000 to less than 10,000 today.

Find out more

CCF is dedicated to saving the cheetah through conservation, education, and research.

Find out more

Cheetahs are famous for their speed and agility but are also one of Africa’s most endangered big cats. Their populations are declining and today fewer than 10,000 remain. The main reasons for the decline are human-wildlife conflict, disappearing habitat, and loss of prey.

CCF’s vision is to see a world in which cheetahs live and flourish in coexistence with people within a sustainable system that is protective of the environment, socially responsible, and economically viable.

CCF’s work with conflict mitigation, and their education and outreach programs are being replicated in other cheetah-range nations and serve as a model for carnivore conservation programs around the world. CCF’s Field Research and Education Centre in Otjiwarongo is open to the public 364 days a year. Visitors can interact with CCF scientists and learn about CCF’s livestock guarding dogs, model farm, and wildlife conservancy. Overnight guests may opt to spend a few days at CCF’s Cheetah View Lodge for an immersive cheetah experience.

Conservation Solutions

Tackling Wildlife Crime

Boosting Local Economies

Guiding Policy

Promoting Health

Cheetah Safe House

In Somaliland, CCF supports the seizure of cheetahs destined for the illegal pet market. CCF’s veterinary team oversees the care for confiscated cheetahs at our Cheetah Safe House, built specifically for cheetah cubs recovered from the pet trade. To date, 97 samples have been extracted and genotyped to detect the animals’ origins and reduce trade in key areas.

BushBlok

CCF is working on a long-term research and development project, called “Bushblok,” to restore habitat while developing a renewable fuel source. Overgrown thorn bush is harvested and made into high-heat, low-emission fuel logs for consumer use. As the Bushblok program grows, CCF creates new biomass energy potential.

Livestock Guarding Dogs

CCF’s Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD) program is proven to reduce livestock losses to predators. A breed of Anatolian shepherd and Kangal dogs are placed with Namibian farmers as puppies. The puppies bond with the herd or flock. As they grow up, their size and loud bark help to deter predators. Farmers with a LGD are less likely to lose livestock, and thus less likely to trap or shoot cheetahs in retaliation.

Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory

Cheetah Conservation Fund’s “Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory” is the only fully-equipped genetics lab located directly on-site at a conservation facility in Africa. From this facility, CCF collaborates with scientists around the globe. Research not only benefits the cheetah and its ecosystem, but other big cats and predators as well.

Museum & Camp Lightfoot

CCF’s Education Center and Cheetah Museum provides detailed information about the cheetah: its history, physiology, importance within the ecosystem, conflict with humans, and what CCF is doing to ensure the species’ survival for future generations. At Camp Lightfoot, tens of thousands of students have participated in CCF’s overnight environmental courses.

Model Farm

The key to securing a future for the cheetah is to secure the livelihoods of the people who share its habitat. To help Namibians expand their income, CCF’s Model Farm program inspires Namibian farmers to engage in wildlife-friendly agricultural ventures. CCF also breeds and trains livestock guarding dogs on the farm and produces cheetah-friendly products like goat cheese, fudge, and honey.

Ending the Illegal Pet Trade

CCF is a founding member of the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT), a public-private coalition started by the US Department of State. CCF also works with the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) to address issues such as law enforcement, demand reduction, procedures for the placement of confiscated cheetahs, and cybercrime.

Genome Resource Bank

CCF uses best-practice techniques for storing cheetah sperm, tissues, and blood samples in its Genome Resource Bank (GRB). These materials provide insurance for the cheetah’s survival. Cryopreservation methods continue to be studied and refined in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution in the US. As a result, CCF maintains one of the largest GRB’s for an endangered species.

Tackling Wildlife Crime

Genome Resource Bank

Make an Impact for Cheetah

When you get involved, donate, or spread the word on social media, you are truly making a better world for cheetahs and the communities that live near them. Here are a few ways you can help:

Connect with Cheetah Conservation Fund on social media to learn more about their work and be a voice for cheetahs.

Visit CCF’s website and sign up for their newsletter to deepen your connection with conservation.
VISIT WEBSITE

Shop – After years of stocking the gift shops of socially and environmentally responsible luxury resorts across Africa, CCF’s Zawadi store is giving back to wildlife conservation by offering its gifts online.

Volunteer – Volunteering at CCF is a unique opportunity, it is an experience that will have a lasting impact on your life.

Visit – Cheetah Conservation Fund is a one-of-a-kind place. Located near the city of Ojiwarongo in Namibia, Africa, CCF is a full-scale conservation NGO working to save the cheetah and its ecosystem. CCF also welcomes guests 364 days per year.

Lastly, donate to support Cheetah Conservation Fund’s work protecting cheetahs. Through our donation model, 100% of your donation goes to field with zero taken for overhead or administration.

CCF operates under the principle that the key to sustainable conservation lies in improving the livelihoods of people. When human beings’ needs are met, they are more likely to care about biodiversity and become stewards of the planet.

Dr. Laurie Marker

Photography Credits: Cheetah Conservation Fund, Ken and Michelle Dyball, Arnel DeLeon, Suzi Eszterhas, Steve Mandel, Tom Stahl

Cheetah Conservation Fund

Changing to world to save the cheetah.

CCF is an internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs.

Cheetahs are one of Africa's most endangered big cats.

CCF is dedicated to saving the cheetah through conservation, education, and research.

Cheetahs are one of Africa's most endangered big cats.

CCF is dedicated to saving the cheetah through conservation, education, and research.

Species Impact

Team Values