The cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is one of the oldest of the big cat species, with an-

cestors that can be traced back more than five million years to the Miocene era. The
cheetah is also the world’s fastest land mammal, a feline icon of nature. It is an animal
built for speed, with all parts of its body having evolved for precision and agility. From
their small, aerodynamic head, lean body and long legs, to a flexible backbone and
tail that works like a boat’s rudder, and semi-retractable claws like cleats on a running
shoe, the cheetah can reach speeds of up to 70 mph and change direction in a split
second. The cheetah also has the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just
three seconds.

CHEETAHS:
CCF is a Namibian non-­ BIG CATS BUILT FOR SPEED
profit incorporated
association dedicated PHYSICAL TRAITS The cheetah can also purr while both
Cheetahs have a thin frame with a inhaling and exhaling, which other big
to the long-­term narrow waist and deep chest. They cats cannot.
survival of the cheetah have extra-large nostrils that allow
for increased oxygen intake, with THE CHEETAH’S LIFE
and its ecosystems. larger than normal heart and lungs There are three stages in the lifecycle
and strong arteries and adrenals that of the cheetah: a cub’s life, adolescence
work in tandem to circulate oxygen and adult life. The gestation period for
RESEARCH more efficiently. Their weight averages the cheetah is 93 days, and litters range
between 75 and 125 pounds and they in size from one or two up to six cubs
CONSERVATION can be anywhere from 40 to 60 inches in (the occasional litter of eight cubs has
length, measured from the head to the been recorded, but it is rare). At birth,
EDUCATION hind quarters. The tail can add another
24 to 32 inches. Most cheetahs stand
the cubs weigh 8.5 to 15 ounces and
are blind and helpless. Their mother
28 to 36 inches tall at the shoulder. will groom them patiently, purring

cheetah.org Males are slightly bigger with larger

heads, but there is not much physical
difference between the sexes. It is
quietly and providing them warmth and
security. After a day or so, the mother
will leave the cubs to hunt for herself, so
difficult to identify the cheetah’s sex by she can continue to care for the cubs.
appearance alone. This is the most vulnerable time for
the cubs, as they are left unprotected.
The cheetah’s undercoat ranges in They will live in a secluded nest for the
color from light tan to a deep gold and next six to eight weeks, being regularly
is marked by solid black spots. These moved by their mother from nest to nest
spots are not open like the rosettes to avoid detection by predators. The
found on a leopard or jaguar’s coat, mother will care for her cubs on her own
which is one way to quickly identify the for the next year and a half.
cheetah. Cheetahs are also recognized
by their distinctive black “tear marks” At about six weeks of age, the cubs
that extend from the corners of both begin following their mother on her daily
eyes along the sides of their noses to travels as she is looking for prey. During
their mouths. The biological purpose for these first few months she cannot move
these markings is to keep the glare of far or fast and cub mortality is highest.
the sun down so cheetahs can see more Less than one in 10 will survive during
clearly across long distances. Their tail this time, as they perish from predation
ends with a bushy tuft encircled by five by other large predators such as lions
or six dark rings. These markings provide and hyenas, or from injuries. This is the
them with excellent camouflage while time when life skills are taught. Their
hunting and make them more difficult for long mantle of hair on their backs serves
other predators to detect. the dual purpose of keeping them warm
and helping hide them from predators
Unlike other big cats often grouped who mistake them for the aggressive
with the cheetah (i.e.- tiger, lion, leopard honey badger.
and jaguar), cheetahs do not roar. They
growl when facing danger, and they Between four to six months of age,
vocalize with sounds more equivalent to cheetah cubs are very active and
a high-pitched chirp or bubble and bark playful. Trees provide good observation
when communicating with each other. points and allow for development of
skills in balancing. The cubs’ semi non-retractable claws are underwent drastic changes in the Great Ice Age. Throughout
sharper at this age and help them grip the tall ‘playtrees’ they North America, Europe, and Asia, about 75 percent of the
climb with their siblings. mammal species vanished. Only a handful of the modern
cheetah remained, having gone through a “genetic bottleneck”
Learning to hunt is the most critical survival skill that the cubs that resulted in inbreeding, which detrimentally impacts
will develop. At one year of age, cheetah cubs participate in species survival.
hunts with their mother. The hunt has several components. It
includes prey detection, stalking, the chase, tripping (or prey Once found throughout Asia and Africa, today there are fewer
capture), and killing by means of a suffocation bite. At about than 7,100 adult and adolescent cheetahs in the wild. This
18 months of age, the mother and cubs will finally separate. number has dropped from 100,000 a century ago, indicating
Although not fully adept at hunting on their own, independent a rapid decline. Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN
male and female cubs will stick together for a few more Red List. In Namibia, they are a protected species. Under
months to master their hunting skills. When the adolescent the Endangered Species Act in the United States, they are
females begin cycling, dominant males will court them and considered Endangered. The Convention on International Trade
drive their brothers away.. in Endangered Species (CITES) lists them as an Appendix 1
species.
MALE COALITIONS
Male cheetahs from the same litter remain together for the Most wild cheetahs exist in fragmented populations in pockets
rest of their lives, forming a cheetah coalition. Coalitions of Africa, occupying a mere 9 percent of their historic range. In
increase hunting success and defense against predators. Iran, less than 50 Asiatic cheetahs (a sub-species) remain. The
They become dispersal males, on the move for a few years largest single population of cheetahs occupies a six-country
after leaving their mother and sisters, until they can defend polygon that spans Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola,
a territory. They will travel hundreds of miles, being moved Mozambique and Zambia. Namibia has the largest number
out of one area to another, pushed by more dominant males. of individuals of any country, earning it the nickname, “The
Eventually, they will find a place where they can settle. Cheetah Capital of the World.”
Cheetahs require huge home range territory, covering an
average of 750 to 900 square miles. More than 75 percent of remaining wild cheetahs live on
rural farmlands alongside human communities. The small
Adult life for a cheetah is difficult. Cheetahs live fast and die populations that live in national parks and wildlife reserves
young. There is competition between territorial males, which must compete with larger, more aggressive predators, which
often results in death. The lifespan of an adult male is 8 years. can kill cheetah cubs and often steal their prey.
Adult mortality is one of the most significant limiting factors for
cheetah population growth and survival.. Their main threats to survival include human-carnivore
conflict, loss of habitat and loss of prey, poaching and illegal
CHEETAH SURVIVAL wildlife trafficking, with cubs being taken from the Horn of
Relatives of the modern cheetah had worldwide distribution Africa and smuggled into the exotic pet trade, primarily in the
until about 20,000 years ago, when the world’s environment Gulf States.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 The Cheetah Conservation Fund’s (CCF) research focuses on the biology, ecology and
genetics of the southern African cheetah. Its findings form the basis for CCF’s educa-
tion and conservation programs. CCF is notable for being the first predator research
program conducted outside a protected area and the first working with people on
whose land the cheetah is living.

Research
GENETICS, HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CONSERVATION
CCF’s ongoing research activities include GENETICS LABORATORY
collecting and analyzing blood, skin, To address the challenge of effectively
tissue, sperm and fecal samples from monitoring the wild cheetah population
CCF is a Namibian non-­ the southern African wild cheetah. To from a remote region in Namibia, CCF
date, CCF has sampled nearly 1,000 of built and maintains the only fully capa-
profit incorporated these cheetahs to study genetics and the ble conservation genetics laboratory at
association dedicated relatedness of the population. Samples
indicate the incidence of disease, stress
an in situ conservation site in Africa. The
Life Technologies Conservation Genetics
to the long-­term hormone levels, and the reproductive Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility
health of the population. that produces analyses and results in
survival of the cheetah house. The laboratory aims to address
Wild cheetahs providing samples si- research questions involving cheetah
and its ecosystems. multaneously undergo comprehensive gene flow and geographical patterns
examinations (“cheetah work-ups”) that of genetic variation, as well as adaptive
involve weighing and measuring for mor- questions in relations to the cheetah’s
RESEARCH phometric studies, analysis of their dental behavioral ecology in specific habitats.
structure and reproductive fitness. These Open to researchers from other organiza-
CONSERVATION exams contribute to the assessment of tions, the lab benefits not only the chee-
the overall health of the world’s cheetah tah but many other species, and it plays a
EDUCATION population. key role in training the next generation of
conservation geneticists
SCAT DETECTION DOGS
cheetah.org CCF pioneered the use of scat detec-
tion dogs to assist with cheetah census,
BEHAVIOR DEMOGRAPHICS, HOME
RANGE AND REINTRODUCTION
genetic relatedness and demographic CCF researchers investigate the move-
research. CCF ecologists employ dogs ment of cheetah to determine home
trained to sniff out cheetah scat with ranges, habitat preference, territoriality
their sense of smell. The samples are and behaviors of populations critical
processed in the laboratory, and DNA is to their survival. CCF has tagged and
extracted to identify individual cheetahs released more than 600 cheetahs back
and gain insight into population structure. into the wild and placed VHF satellite
radio-tracking collars on more than 60
GENOME RESOURCE BANK during 25 years of study. Working with
Sperm, tissue and blood samples are CCF conservationists, CCF researchers
cryopreserved and stored in CCF’s Ge- evaluate relocation, reintroduction and
nome Resource Bank (GRB) to provide non-invasive monitoring methods to sup-
additional insurance for species survival. port viable wild cheetah populations.
Established in 1991, CCF’s cheetah GRB is
one of the most extensive for an endan- CHEETAH CENSUS RESEARCH
gered species. To date, CCF has banked Cheetahs are notoriously difficult to
more than 320 cheetah semen collec- count using conventional census tech-
tions from more 200 individuals and niques due to their secretive nature. CCF
banked samples on nearly 1,000 chee- researchers have tested various census
tahs. CCF developed its best practices for and monitoring techniques, including
storing samples and continues to refine radio telemetry, spoor track counts and
cryopreservation methods with partners camera traps, while calibrating these
at the Smithsonian Institution. In 2007, in to known density estimates. The data is
collaboration with Smithsonian research- used to identify potential “hot spots” for
ers and those from University of Califor- human-carnivore conflict and to per-
nia at Davis, CCF produced the first-ever suade key stakeholders to adopt appro-
in vitro cheetah embryos developed to priate conservation measures to mitigate
the blastocyst stage. CCF’s leadership in impact.
reproductive science also resulted in the
first artificially-inseminated cheetah cub
born from sperm frozen in Namibia.
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
CCF has long-term research partnerships with academic and research institutions around the world, encompassing a broad
spectrum of subject matter pertaining to the cheetah. CCF also maintains close ties with zoos and wildlife parks to collaborate on
projects involving captive cheetah populations and genetics.

Beskee Bergen, Netherlands Naples Zoo, USA

Bronx Zoo, USA National Cancer Institute
Busch Gardens, USA Oregon State University, USA
Cat Specialist Group of IUCN Paradise Wildlife Park, UK
Cheetah Species Survival Plan of AZA Parc des Félins, France
Cincinnati Zoo, USA Zoo Safari de Thoiry, France
Colorado State University, USA Saint Louis Zoo, USA
Columbus Zoo, USA San Diego Zoo, USA
Dallas Zoological Society, USA San Francisco Zoo, USA
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, USA Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, USA
Dvůr Králové Zoo, Czech Republic Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo, USA
Earthwatch Institute University of California at Davis, USA
European Endangered Species Plan (EEP) University of Florida, USA
Indianapolis Zoo, USA University of Namibia, Namibia
Little Rock Zoo, USA University of North Carolina, USA
Los Angeles Zoo, USA Virginia Zoo, USA
Maryland Zoological Society, USA White Oak Conservation Centre, USA
Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism Wildlife World Zoo, USA
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST),
Namibia

ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH HUMAN-CARNIVORE CONFLICT

CCF evaluates cheetah habitat and prey base and monitors Research into human-carnivore conflict is critical for cheetah
carnivores in the cheetah’s ecosystem. CCF identifies veg- conservation, as more than 75 percent of cheetahs in Africa live
etation and growth patterns, designates land for ecological outside protected areas and on lands shared with rural farming
management and investigates how bush encroachment affects communities. CCF incorporates the needs of farmers in the
biodiversity. CCF monitors habitat use by game species and development of agricultural management plans that benefit
determines hunting practices and prey preferences for individ- both farmers and cheetahs. CCF evaluates non-lethal preda-
ual cheetah populations. CCF also collects data on predation tor control tools and livestock management techniques that
and develops methodologies for prey species reintroduction in reduce the number of cheetahs removed from the ecosystem
cheetah range countries. by farmers.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 Ninety percent of Namibia’s cheetahs live on farmlands in central Namibia, which
also support 80% of the game species that are the cheetah’s natural prey. Living on
farmland puts cheetahs in contact with farmers, their livestock and game farming
enterprises. To maintain ecosystem balance, it is critical that conservation strategies
encourage sustainable land use while accommodating the coexistence with native
predator species. It is equally important to educate people about the cheetah and
its ecosystem from a young age and train the next generation of African biologists,
geneticists and ecologists to ensure Cheetah Conservation Fund’s (CCF) programs are
sustainable.

Education
CCF is a Namibian non-­
profit incorporated
association dedicated
to the long-­term
survival of the cheetah
and its ecosystems.

RESEARCH
CONSERVATION
EDUCATION

cheetah.org FUTURE FARMERS OF AFRICA

CCF developed Future Farmers of Africa (FFA) to teach integrated livestock and
wildlife management techniques to land users and managers. FFA builds practical
skills, enabling rural Namibians to engage in sustainable livestock farming that pro-
vides direct and indirect economic benefits. Training courses are conducted at CCF’s
Field Research and Education Centre using CCF’s Model Farm and related agricultural
enterprises as training facilities. In addition, FFA workshops are also held in communal
conservancies to reach the most remote rural farming communities. Topics include
livestock health and veterinary care, livestock husbandry, fire prevention and suppres-
sion, livestock valuation, predator spoor identification, differentiating predator kill tech-
niques and best practices to reduce livestock losses. Tools for non-lethal predator
control, such as the use of CCF Livestock Guarding Dogs, are also part of the training.

FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS OF AFRICA

Each year, CCF educators present programs for approximately 20,000 young learn-
ers in schools throughout Namibia. This initiative engages the nation’s youth on the
value of wildlife, Namibia’s most precious natural resource, as well as the importance
of maintaining healthy ecosystems. Since 1994, more than 500,000 students have
participated in an outreach program. In addition, the CCF Field Research and Educa-
tion Centre has hosted more than 20,000 young learners for an environmental course.
Groups of up to 35 stay at CCF’s overnight facility for students, Camp Lightfoot.
Together, these activities comprise CCF’s Future Conservationists of Africa (FCA)
program.

TRAINING FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

With populations dwindling through most cheetah range countries, cheetah survival
depends on people using an informed, integrated approach to conservation that in-
corporates humans, wildlife, and habitat. Since 2005, CCF has conducted month-long
international courses to bring together conservation managers, scientists, and com-
munity representatives from cheetah range countries in Africa and Iran. More than 300
that have participated in CCF’s training are now leaders managing cheetah conserva-
tion programs in their respective countries. The courses build capacity, with a goal of
establishing and increasing wild cheetah populations.

INTERNSHIPS
CCF is an official fourth-year placement for students from
Namibia’s two major universities, University of Namibia and
Namibia University of Science and Technology. In addition, CCF
welcomes interns from undergraduate and graduate university
programs all over the world. Aspiring biologists, geneticists and
ecologists pursuing masters and Ph.D. degrees come to CCF to
work on research and thesis projects year ‘round.

CCF PUBLICATIONS
CCF has publications and resources for people who want to
learn more about the species.

BOOKS
Cheetahs: Biology and Conservation - 1st Edition 2018, published by Elsevier
Chewbaaka: My Life at Cheetah Conservation Fund - Dr. Laurie Marker & Jessie Jordan
A Future for Cheetahs - Dr. Laurie Marker & Suzi Eszterhas

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS
CCF’scientific papers are available online: www.cheetah.org/research/by-type/scientific-papers/

EDUCATION RESOURCES AND GUIDEBOOKS

Guide to Integrated Livestock and Predator Management
A Predator’s Role in the Ecosystem - CCF’s Teachers Resouce Guide, 4th Edition - revised in 2017
International Cheetah Day Conservation Passport

CHEETAH STUDBOOKS
North America: 1983 - 1987
International: 1988 - present

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 Conservation

CCF is a Namibian non-­

profit incorporated
association dedicated
to the long-­term
survival of the cheetah
and its ecosystems.
HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT MITIGATION
Ninety percent of Namibia’s cheetahs live on livestock and game farms, outside
RESEARCH protected areas, alongside rural farming communities. Sharing farmlands makes
cheetahs more visible to farmers and puts them in contact with livestock and game
CONSERVATION farming enterprises. Cheetahs and other predators have been traditionally looked
upon as a threat and not as a valuable component of a thriving ecosystem. To farm-
EDUCATION ers, especially communal farmers who may be very poor, the loss of even a single
animal can be devastating.

cheetah.org During the 1980’s, livestock and game farmers cut the Namibian cheetah population
by half, removing over 8,000 cheetahs from the landscape. Dr. Marker understood
that to maintain ecosystem balance, conservation strategies must be put in place
to encourage sustainable land use while accommodating coexistence with native
predator species. To prevent further cheetah population decline, CCF began conduct-
ing research into conflict mitigation in 1991, and from this emerged CCF’s integrated
livestock and wildlife management training, Future Farmers of Africa (FFA). CCF re-
searchers develop and test predator-friendly livestock management techniques and
tools on CCF’s Model Farm. CCF promotes these solutions in farmer publications and
media, and at agricultural shows, meetings, and colleges and universities and through
FFA training courses.

The single most-effective, non-lethal predator control tool CCF has developed for
farmers is the CCF Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD). CCF breeds, trains and places
Anatolian shepherd and Kangal dogs with farmers, at little cost, to help guard small
stock like goats and sheep. The presence of the large dogs with exceptionally loud
barks is enough to keep most predators at bay. Farmers who use CCF LGDs to guard
their herds report a drop in predation rates ranging over 80%, thus reducing pressure
on farmers to kill or capture cheetahs. Since 1994, the LGD program has placed more
than 650 dogs throughout Namibia and has helped launch similar programs in South
Africa with Cheetah Outreach, in Botswana with Cheetah Conservation Botswana, and
in Tanzania in collaboration with the Ruaha Carnivore Project.

Conservancies in Namibia are a systematic approach to managing the nation’s

wildlife. CCF has been instrumental in advancing this system, which have effectively
curbed domestic poaching of endangered wildlife species and are now considered
the African model. Namibia’s conservancy system is successful because it joins the
fate of the people to the fate of the local wildlife, enabling humans and animals to
thrive together. CCF has been involved in the Waterberg Conservancy since its incep-
tion and is a founding member of the Greater Waterberg Landscape (GWL), a large
landscape initiative, and sits on its steering committee.
 THE TOOLS FOR CONFLICT MITIGATION
CCF’s farmer training book Guide to
Integrated Livestock and Predator
Management and teacher’s resource
book A Predator’s Role in the Ecosys-
tem are utilized in training to assist in
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation. The
guide books give farmers and stu-
dents the knowledge necessary to take
non-lethal measures to prevent live-
stock losses. Activities like CCF’s Kill ID
chart (right) are used by CCF’s education
team. These resources are given to all
CCF’s coursework participants.

CCF BUSH AND BUSHBLOK ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

Cheetahs hunt using bursts of speed in open or semi-open sa- Although trade in wildlife species products is regulated by
vannah, however, because of unpredictable droughts, climate the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
change, and certain livestock farming practices, native thorn (CITES) both international and national laws, the Illegal Wildlife
bush species are encroaching on Namibian farmlands. Bush Trade is estimated to be worth between $50-150 billion annu-
encroachment changes the habitat and the mix of prey spe- ally. Cheetahs, listed as an Appendix 1 species under CITES, are
cies that can survive and it hurts the economy by reducing the often removed from the wild for their body parts or, more so,
amount of grazing lands. the illegal pet trade.

In 2001, with the help of a USAID grant, CCF Bush was devel- CCF first became actively involved with issues involving the il-
oped to encourage habitat restoration and to create a viable legal trade in cheetahs in 2005. Since then, CCF has been moni-
market for biomass products harvested in an environmental- toring cheetah trafficking and organizing confiscations through
ly and socially appropriate way. CCF Bush project has since the proper authorities whenever possible. CCF collects genetic
selectively harvested thousands of hectares of bush to produce samples for analysis and trains staff at cheetah-holding facilities
Bushblok, an award-winning low-emission, high-heat fuel log, to ensure the proper care for confiscated animals.
from the harvested biomass. In 2008 CCF won the Tech Muse-
um’s Intel Prize for the Environment for the Bushblok innovation. CCF also works to educate the public about illegal trade. Even
CCF is developing ecological standards for ramping up bush though the intrinsic nature of illegal wildlife trade makes it
harvesting with the goal of restoring landscape-scale tracts of difficult to collect full or reliable information, CCF has recorded
cheetah habitat throughout Namibia. In 2006, CCF Bush ob- hundreds of cases involving nearly 2,000 cheetahs. Currently,
tained certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), CCF holds the most extensive database for cheetah traffick-
confirming that it manages forest resources responsibly and ing worldwide. CCF takes every opportunity at national and
sustainably. The Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre international forums to ensure that the problem is not ignored.
(BTDC) and Bushblok production operation provides 30 jobs for CCF participates in the Convention on International Trade in
Namibians, with the potential to provide many more. Endangered Species (CITES) inter-sessional working group on
the illegal trade in cheetah and was instrumental in making
recommendations unanimously adopted by CITES at CoP17.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 CCF Facilities

CCF is a Namibian non-­

profit incorporated
association dedicated
to the long-­term
survival of the cheetah
and its ecosystems. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND FIELD RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTRE
CCF’s Field Research and Education Centre (The Centre) is set on a 100,000-acre,
private wildlife reserve at the base of the Waterberg Plateau in Otjiwarongo, Namibia.
RESEARCH The Centre is open to the public 364 days a year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (08:00 to
17:00), and closed on December 25. Visitors tour the facilities and engage in cheetah
CONSERVATION learning activities, like the Cheetah Run, Cheetah Feeding or Cheetah Drive. The Cen-
tre’s facilities include a Visitor Centre, Cheetah Museum, Cheetah Sanctuary, Genetics
EDUCATION Laboratory, Veterinary Clinic, Model Farm, Dancing Goat Creamery, Cheetah Cafe
and Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre. Visitors may stay overnight at CCF’s
Babson Guesthouse or Cheetah View Lodge as well as housing and a dining hall for

cheetah.org staff, interns and volunteers. The Centre also has Camp Lightfoot, a tented facility for
school groups up to 35.

Being open to the public is central to CCF’s mission. More than 85,000 people from
all over the world have traveled to CCF’s Centre to experience this iconic feline in its
natural environment. CCF encourages every person who visits to become an ambas-
sador for the species by carrying what they’ve learned back to their communities.

VISITOR CENTRE
CCF’s Visitor Centre is a modern, multi-purpose building that houses the main visitor
reception area. Its facilities include the Cheetah Cafe, gift shop, classrooms, admin-
istrative offices, a large group instruction hall and the Life Technologies Conservation
Genetics Laboratory. Currently, CCF receives approximately 12,000 visitors annually.
Ecotourism dollars spent at the Centre help support cheetah conservation activities.

CHEETAH MUSEUM
Exhibits detailing the history of cheetahs in Namibia and CCF’s conservation activities
fill the museum hall. Visitors can also walk through an outdoor predator “preyground,”
a playground that allows people to take the role of predator or prey and test their
survival skills.

CHEETAH SANCTUARY
The Centre provides a permanent home for cheetahs that have been orphaned or
injured and unable to fend for themselves in the wild. These cheetahs are known as
CCF resident cheetahs. Their number fluctuates, but it is generally between 35 and
50. The cost of keeping each resident cheetah is approximately $5,000 annually for
food and veterinary care. Cheetah “adoptions” (sponsorships) help underwrite the
costs of care.

LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CONSERVATION GENETICS LABORATORY

CCF has built the only fully capable genetics laboratory located at an in situ conser-
vation site in Africa. The Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory is used
by CCF researchers studying the cheetah and by researchers from other organiza-
tions studying other species such as, African lion, brown hyena BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE
and plants. The lab is in the Visitor Centre, so visitors can easily CCF researches, tests and produces clean-burning energy
meet the researchers and learn about their projects. products made from sustainably harvested thorn bush at its
Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre (BTDC). BTDC
HAAS FAMILY VETERINARY CLINIC research encompasses a wide range of biomass technolo-
Having the Haas Family Veterinary Clinic at the Centre enables gies, including pyrolysis-based electrical generation and the
CCF staff enables the collection of samples from cheetahs manufacturing of briquette logs, charcoal hex logs and lump
taken in by CCF and allows for prompt veterinary care for the charcoal.
cheetahs, dogs, goats and other animals when in need. Dental
procedures and surgery can also be performed on site, which is BABSON HOUSE
far less stressful to the animal. Babson House is a private, three-bedroom accommodation
that sleeps up to six people in luxury style. The gated complex
overlooks a wildlife habitat that is home to several resident
cheetahs. A large veranda offers unparalleled views of the Wa-
terberg Plateau.

MODEL FARM AND DANCING GOAT CREAMERY

The Model Farm is a commercial venture that tests and deploys
predator-friendly farming techniques on integrated livestock/
wildlife farmlands within CCF’s reserve. The Model Farm also
serves as a training facility for community members and uni- CHEETAH VIEW LODGE
versity students studying agriculture and food sciences. Profits The new, five-suite Cheetah View Lodge is built in modern bush
generated by the Model Farm support CCF’s conservation and chalet style a few minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre. The
education programs. The primary business on the Model Farm lodge’s accommodations include four units with two beds and
is livestock farming. CCF maintains herds of cattle, goats, and a larger “family suite” with two queen beds and a sleeper sofa.
sheep. In 2005, CCF planted grapevines on the farm with an A private restaurant with an open-air veranda for lounging and
eye towards developing a cheetah-friendly Namibian wine wildlife watching provides full food and beverage services on
label. In 2013, CCF added an apiary and beekeeping program. In site.
2009, the Dancing Goat Creamery began producing cheese, ice
cream, and fudge made from milk supplied by CCF’s Saanen CAMP LIGHTFOOT
and French Alpine dairy goats (farmed under the protection of Camp Lightfoot is a permanent tented camping facility for
CCF Livestock Guarding Dogs). In pioneering these types of groups of up to 35 persons. It is most often used by school
small enterprises, CCF provides practical, hands-on training and groups visiting CCF for a two-day, immersive, education expe-
demonstrates how additional income streams that compliment rience.
livestock farming can be created.

CHEETAH CAFÉ
The Cheetah Cafe is located in the Visitor Centre and open
daily from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (08:00 -17:00). The café serves
locally grown and sourced vegetables, meats and cheeses.
Several menu items are made at CCF’s Dancing Goat Creamery
including delicious ice cream, three cheeses -- feta, chevre and
ricotta -- and fudge.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 Dr. Laurie Marker is a conservation biologist and research scientist recognized as one
of the world’s leading experts on the cheetah. As Founder and Executive Director of
Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), Dr. Marker has pioneered research and developed
conservation models and cooperative alliances credited with stabilizing the largest
remaining population of wild cheetah. Under her leadership, CCF has grown into a
world-class research, education and conservation institution situated near Otjiwaron-
go, Namibia, on a 100,000-acre private reserve.

Dr. Laurie Marker

CCF is a Namibian non-­
CCF Founder and Executive Director
profit incorporated
association dedicated
to the long-­term
survival of the cheetah
and its ecosystems.

RESEARCH
CONSERVATION
EDUCATION

cheetah.org Dr. Marker began working with cheetahs at Oregon’s Wildlife Safari (1974-1988). While
there, she developed one of the most successful captive cheetah breeding pro-
grams in the world and initiated a groundbreaking research project that brought her
to Namibia for the first time in 1977. She hypothesized that a captive-born cub could
be taught to hunt, and she tested this theory with Khayam, a young cheetah she had
raised from birth. Dr. Marker successfully taught Khayam to hunt, but more impor-
tantly, she discovered livestock farmers in Namibia were killing hundreds of cheetahs
each year because they viewed them as threats to their livestock and livelihoods. This
prompted her to undertake the first of its kind in situ research into cheetah ecology,
biology, demographics, genetics and home range. Using the findings of her research,
she began developing conservation strategies to mitigate the conflict.

Already a species in peril due to habitat loss and lack of genetic diversity, the actions
of Namibia’s livestock farmers were driving the cheetah even closer toward extinction
and at an accelerated pace. As the Executive Director of the New Opportunities in An-
imal Health Sciences (NOAHS) Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo (1988-1991),
Dr. Marker searched for an organization or an individual to champion the cheetah from
her post in Washington, DC. She traveled back and forth to Namibia for the next 13
years, gathering data and networking with conservation biologists and researchers
studying predators, and writing letters.

After an exhaustive but fruitless search, Dr. Marker decided to take on the role herself
and dedicate her life to the long-term sustainability of the cheetah. Dr. Marker es-
tablished the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1990, and a year later, she permanently
relocated to Namibia, establishing a research base in a borrowed farmhouse outside
Otjiwarongo. For the first few years, she drove door-to-door in an old Land Rover and
surveyed local farmers. These early interactions inspired Dr. Marker to develop the
highly effective, non-lethal predator control methods that CCF employs today. Her
innovative strategies that balance the needs of people and wildlife sharing land have
not only stabilized the cheetah population in Namibia, but have also helped mitigate
human-wildlife conflict with large carnivore species in many regions around the
globe.
 Pioneer Award, and the Ulysses S. Seal Award for Innovation
Initially rebuffed by Namibians fearing change, Dr. Marker’s in Conservation. Dr. Marker has been awarded the Tyler Prize
rigorous scientific research and holistic conservation programs for Environmental Achievement (2010), The Tech Museum of
that consider all stakeholders have gained her the respect of Innovation’s Intel Environmental Prize (2008), and is a two-time
an entire nation. The vital information she has assembled on finalist for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize. She was named a
cheetah health, reproduction, ecology and genetics has proven Hero for the Planet by TIME Magazine and has been featured in
invaluable in the management of both wild and captive cheetah the page of Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discover and The
populations around the world. New York Times, and appeared on numerous television shows,
including The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, The Charlie
Dr. Marker earned her DPhil in Zoology from the University of Rose Show and Today.
Oxford in the UK. She has published more than 120 scientific
papers in peer-reviewed journals. She is a Steering Commit- Dr. Marker is the author of A Future for Cheetahs, a book detail-
tee member for the Natural Resource Department of Namibia ing the plight of the species and the efforts to save them (with
University of Science and Technology and an Adjunct Professor photos by wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas) and Chew-
at the University of Omaha and Purdue University. baaka, an illustrated children’s book about CCF’s most famous
In 2013, Dr. Marker was named an A. D. White Profes- cheetah ambassador. She is the head co-editor of CHEETAHS:
sor-at-Large at Cornell University, where she spends one week Biology and Conservation, a comprehensive textbook weaving
as a guest lecturer-in-residence every other year. together the work 150 conservationists and researchers fighting
to save Africa’s most endangered big cat and the co-author of
In 2015, Dr. Marker was recognized with an Eleanor Roosevelt numerous chapters.
Val-Kill Medal Award, an E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology

AWARDS

2015 Ulysses S. Seal Award for Innovation in Conservation 2008 Indianapolis Prize Finalist
2015 E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Technology Pioneer Award 2005 Living Desert Tracks in the Sand - Conservationist of the
2015 Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal Award Year
2013 International Conservation Caucus Foundation Good 2003 Chevron-Texaco Conservationist of the Year
Steward Award 2002 Audi Terra Nova Awards Finalist, Southern Africa
2013 Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large, Cornell University 2001 Humanitarian of the Year, Marin County Humane Society
2013 Distinguished Alumni, Eastern Oregon State University 2001 Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary Club International, Wind-
2011 Rainer Arnhold Fellow hoek, Namibia
2010 The Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award 2000 Burrows Conservation Award, Cincinnati Zoo
2010 Indianapolis Prize Finalist 2000 Hero for the Planet, Time Magazine
2010 Tyler Prize for the Environmental Achievement Laureate 1997 Distinguished Leadership Award, American Biographical
2009 BBC World Challenge Finalist Institute
2009 St Andrews Prize for the Environment Finalist 1992 Conservationist of the Year, African Safari Club, Wash-
2009 International Wildlife Film Festival Lifetime Achieve- ington, DC
ment Award 1988 White Rose Award, Oregon’s Top Ten Women
2008 Tech Museum Intel Environmental Award 1985 Outstanding Young Women of America
2008 San Diego Zoo Lifetime Achievement Conservation 1981 Oregon’s Young Careerist, Business and Professional
Award Women, Southern Oregon Division
2008 Society of Women Geographers’ Gold Medal

Dr. Laurie Marker performs a cheetah workup in the Haas Family Dr. Laurie Marker and CCF staff prepare an anaesthetized chee-
Veterinary Clinic tah for transport and relocation.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]
 The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) maintains the Biomass Technology Demon-
stration Centre (BTDC) at its Field Research and Education Centre to test, develop
and produce clean-burning energy products made from sustainably harvested thorn
bush. The objectives of having this facility are to catalyze a biomass industry while
restoring encroached habitat and farmlands for wildlife and livestock grazing. With up
to seven tons of woody thorn bush per acre, the central Namibia region is an ideal lo-
cation to demonstrate the full economic potential of biomass and to research sustain-
able harvest methodologies. Bringing commercial enterprises to central Namibia has
the combined benefits of creating much needed employment, generating power for
areas that do not have electricity, reducing conflict between carnivores and farmers,
and improving farmland productivity.

Biomass Technology
CCF is a Namibian non-­
profit incorporated
association dedicated
Demonstration Centre
RESEARCH & EVALUATION
to the long-­term BTDC research encompasses a wide range of biomass technologies with an empha-
sis on those capable of generating sustained economic enterprises. Initial technology
survival of the cheetah includes manufacturing of briquette logs, charcoal hex logs, lump charcoal, and for
pyrolysis-based electrical generation. Phase two will include other promising tech-
and its ecosystems. nology, such as wood pellet production, alternative chipping power trains and Stirling
engines.

RESEARCH CCF ecologists conduct long-term monitoring of harvested areas to provide detailed
information on habitat recovery. The BTDC team evaluates new machinery and con-
CONSERVATION siders how harvest methods can be efficiently and cost-effectively scaled. Commer-
cial biomass operations require large quantities of raw wood delivered at predictable
EDUCATION intervals throughout the year, so matching input needs to harvesting equipment,
methods and transportation is vital.

cheetah.org Other forms of renewable energy technologies that will be evaluated at the BTDC
include photo voltaic (solar) systems, alternative battery and energy storage systems,
and micro-grid deployments. As biomass industries expand in central Namibia, the
absence of electrical power will be a barrier to success for many villages. It is likely
that biomass-based electricity and solar electricity will both be important sources of
energy for rural biomass industry, so the BTDC will investigate how to best implement
small grids in rural areas.

BIOMASS AS A VIABLE BUSINESS

The BTDC draws on academics, researchers, and engineers to implement, evaluate
and validate each technology, determining its suitability for the type of biomass avail-
able in the region. As required, equipment and processes are customized. Regular
evaluations are made on the overall economic potential of specific industries to as-
sure that cost of production is low enough to result in profitable end sales of biomass
products.

Over the past decade, CCF has been leading the way in thorn bush harvest methods.
CCF’s bush project production of Bushblok is certified by the Forestry Stewardship
Council (FSC), a standard that ensures products come from responsibly managed
lands and provide environmental, social and economic benefits. This certification
indicates the highest standard in forestry management.

With a wide range of installed operating equipment, tuned methods of operation, and
a detailed understanding of cost economics and wood harvest methods, the BTDC
is the ideal location to demonstrate biomass technologies. The BTDC attracts entre-
preneurs, existing companies, international grant foundations, NGOs, and investors
from all over the world. By connecting investment capital to businesses and sharing
knowledge, the BTDC seeks to catalyze a new growth of biomass industry in cen-
tral Namibia. With millions of acres of invasive bush, biomass will become a regional
economic powerhouse, creating much needed jobs, new tax revenue, and improved
livelihoods.
CCF’s General Manager Dr. Bruce Brewer manages the CCF Bushblok project. Here he demonstrates CCF’s Bushblok making process
to representatives from Namibia’s biomass industry, the Ambassador of the European Union to Namibia, local farmers and media.
A TEACHING FACILITY OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE OF BIOMASS
The final role of the BTDC is education and training. The pro- The potential of biomass is huge. With millions of tons of avail-
duction floor and nearby classrooms at CCF are used to train able thorn bush located in a region with high unemployment
workers on equipment operation, safety procedures, use of and little electricity, no other idea could have such an impact
personal protective equipment, employment laws and other on central Namibia. CCF has studied the region for more than
relevant topics. Live field training covers planning a harvest, a decade. A sustainable, responsible harvest of excess thorn
safety in the environment, harvest equipment operation, and bush is not only possible, but highly desirable. CCF coordinates
implementation of FSC-compliant methods. Community based international donors and investors to fund and support the
businesses and entrepreneurs receive additional education on BTDC. Through continued research, demonstration of related
the economics of biomass businesses, distribution and trans- technology and training, CCF intends to catalyze a new wave
portation alternatives, and access to local and international economic activity in Namibia focused on biomass.
capital. Additionally, the BTDC welcomes international and
Namibia academic institutions for student education and as a
base for continued research.

Before harvest: CCF’s habitat restoration efforts focus on clearing After harvest: The cheetah needs open landscape like this to suc-
thickened thorn bush from cheetah habitat. While thorn bush cessfully hunt. Research is being conducted on the effects thorn
is a native plant, due to the decline of large grazers, the plants bush removal has on the soil composition and wildlife density.
become overgrown, clogging the landscape.

Cheetah Conservation Fund Phone: +264 067 306 225 E-­mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Fax +264 067 306 247 [email protected]