Who founded Cheetah Conservation Fund?

Cheetah Conservation Fund was founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, who serves as the organisation's Executive Director. Dr. Marker is one of the pioneers in the field of predator conservation focusing on the cheetah and has led CCF's research, education, and conservation programs for over three decades. Under her leadership, CCF has grown from a single research site in Namibia to an international organisation with field centres in Namibia and Somaliland and affiliate organisations across multiple countries.

Who is Dr. Laurie Marker?

Dr. Laurie Marker is the Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund and one of the world's foremost experts on cheetah conservation. She serves as the International Cheetah Studbook Keeper and was named Vice-Chair of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group in 1996. Dr. Marker oversees all of CCF's field-based initiatives and programs across Namibia and Somaliland. Her personal commitment and scientific expertise have made her the principal voice and ambassador for cheetah conservation worldwide.

How long has CCF been working to save cheetahs?

CCF has been working to save cheetahs since 1990, making it one of the longest-running cheetah conservation organisations in the world. Over more than three decades, CCF has built the research, rescue, and education programs the species depends on for survival. CCF has been active at CITES since 1992 and has expanded its operations from Namibia to the Horn of Africa, where the illegal wildlife trade poses the most urgent threat to cheetah populations.

What has CCF accomplished for cheetah conservation?

CCF has pioneered non-lethal human-wildlife conflict solutions including the livestock guarding dog program and Future Farmers of Africa training. CCF's genetics research led to the 2023 IUCN uplisting of Horn of Africa cheetahs to Endangered status. CCF built and operates the Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre in Somaliland, caring for over 100 rescued cheetahs. CCF co-organised the first Global Cheetah Summit in 2024, bringing together delegates from 23 range countries. CCF has published the Namibian Carnivore Red Data Book and maintains the International Cheetah Studbook and the Cheetah Conservation Compendium.

How can I support Dr. Laurie Marker's work to save cheetahs?

You can support Dr. Marker's work by donating to Cheetah Conservation Fund, sponsoring a resident cheetah, joining the Founder's Circle for leadership-level giving, or including CCF in your estate plans through the Chewbaaka Society legacy giving program. CCF also welcomes working guests and interns at its field centres. Every contribution directly supports the research, rescue, education, and policy programs that protect cheetahs across their range. Visit cheetah.org to give today.

Why do farmers kill cheetahs?

Cheetahs are trapped and killed by livestock farmers who view them as a threat to their herds and livelihoods. Human-wildlife conflict is the primary driver of cheetah population decline in southern Africa. Many farmers act out of real or perceived livestock losses. CCF addresses this through cooperative, non-lethal mitigation strategies that account for both the needs of farming communities and the conservation of predators.

What is a livestock guarding dog?

A livestock guarding dog is a working dog that bonds with a livestock herd and acts as a protector rather than a herder. CCF raises livestock guarding dogs alongside the animals they will protect to create a family bond. The dogs work primarily alongside a human herder as animals graze in the bush, deterring predators like cheetahs without lethal force. CCF's livestock guarding dog program is one of its longest-running and most effective conflict mitigation tools.

How can farmers protect livestock from cheetahs without killing them?

CCF's Future Farmers of Africa program provides free training and certification in predator-friendly farming techniques. These include livestock guarding dogs, improved kraal security, herding and calving practices, predator identification, kill verification, and rangeland management. Training is delivered at CCF's Model Farm in Namibia and at community locations across Namibia and Somaliland. These non-lethal methods protect both livestock and predators.

What is human-wildlife conflict?

Human-wildlife conflict refers to interactions between humans and wildlife that result in negative outcomes for one or both parties. For cheetahs, this most commonly occurs on livestock farmland where cheetahs prey on or are perceived to prey on domestic animals. As habitat shrinks and cheetahs are pushed into closer contact with farming communities, the frequency and severity of these conflicts increases. CCF has pioneered community-based solutions to help people and cheetahs coexist.

Does CCF work with local communities to protect cheetahs?

Yes. CCF's approach is built on working directly with the farming communities who share the landscape with cheetahs. Programs include farmer training and certification through Future Farmers of Africa, livestock guarding dog placements, a 24/7 farmer hotline for reporting cheetah incidents, and the Model Farm where predator-friendly techniques are demonstrated in a real commercial farming operation. CCF operates these programs in both Namibia and Somaliland.

Dr. Laurie Marker Lecture: The One Health Approach – Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict

Oct 2, 2026

12:00 pm

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Venue: Colorado State University
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Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder and Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund, presents on the One Health approach to mitigating human-wildlife conflict. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Dr. Marker will share insights from CCF’s work in Namibia, where the organization applies scientific research, education, and conservation practices to save the cheetah in the wild.

Attendees are invited to a reception following the presentation at 1:30pm.

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