Camera Trap Deployment in Awdal Region of Somaliland: A Conservation Update

We are excited to share a summary of the recent camera trap deployment in the Awdal Region of Somaliland as part of the Somaliland Camera Trap Project. A total of 154 cameras have been strategically placed to assess the status and distribution of cheetahs using non-invasive detection techniques specifically designed for the Horn of Africa.

This groundbreaking study aims to provide a detailed understanding of cheetah distribution, the factors influencing their presence, and the baseline population ecology in the arid regions of the Horn of Africa. The insights gained will contribute valuable data that can inform future conservation interventions. Additionally, this research seeks to highlight the ongoing and escalating threats faced by cheetah populations, which will be crucial in developing data-driven National Conservation Action Plans and legal frameworks aimed at reducing cheetah trafficking, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and improving wildlife law enforcement efforts in the region.

During our recent survey mission in the western parts of Somaliland, I was fortunate to encounter some of the region’s most iconic wildlife. Species spotted included Soemmerring’s gazelle, Speke’s gazelle, Dorcas gazelle, the elegant Gerenuk, the agile Klipspringer, spotted hyenas, African golden wolves, caracals, desert warthogs, Hamadryas baboons, Salt’s dik-dik, and the majestic Greater kudu—Somaliland’s national animal.

Somaliland, nestled in the Horn of Africa, is renowned for its untamed beauty and incredible biodiversity. The region boasts diverse ecosystems, ranging from vast deserts and rugged hills to lush coastal areas stretching over 850 kilometers along the Gulf of Aden. This ecological treasure trove is home to more than 727 bird species and 177 mammal species, including some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

As we continue our conservation efforts in Somaliland, your support is vital in protecting this stunning landscape and its remarkable inhabitants. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in preserving the cheetahs and the diverse wildlife that calls this region home.