CCF is a holistic conservation organization with an overall goal to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and illegal wildlife/pet trade.  CCF has implemented a number of  programs and initiatives that are key in ensuring the survival of the cheetah.  They include:

  1. Cheetah care and rehabilitation and for some, rewildling
  2. Livestock Guarding Dog Program
  3. Future Farmers of Africa
  4. Future Conservationist of Africa
  5. Habitat Restoration

Cheetah Fit Challenge Donations Impact

Our goal is to raise over US$100,000 in 2025.  These funds will be prioritize for the full care of the rescued cheetahs at CCF Namibia and Somaliland and possibly, the Livestock Guarding Dog programs which has reduced the killing of cheetahs.

See how your participation in the Cheetah Fit Challenge and the funds you raise can make an impact for the preservation of the cheetah.

Cheetah Care at CCF

The cheetahs at CCF in Namibia come from various backgrounds—some are orphaned cubs, injured adolescents, or adults surrendered after being kept as pets. Due to their circumstances, these resident cheetahs cannot survive in the wild, preventing their release. However, cheetahs that arrive at CCF aged six months or older may have opportunities for rewilding, as they have spent enough time with their mothers to learn essential survival skills.

In Somaliland, the cheetahs under CCF’s care are often orphaned cubs rescued from the illegal pet trade or human-wildlife conflict. Many arrive in critical conditions and require round-the-clock care in their initial days, with unfortunately some not surviving. Like their counterparts in Namibia, these cheetahs are unable to fend for themselves in the wild and thus cannot be released.

The comprehensive care provided to these cheetahs—including emergency treatment, annual veterinary check-ups, food, medication, enrichment activities, and secure enclosures—costs between $6,500 and $8,000 per animal annually.

Impact

Saving and caring for rescued cheetahs has a significant impact on conservation, research, and community engagement. It helps protect cheetah populations by contributing to genetic diversity in captive settings and raises public awareness about the species and its conservation challenges. Through research opportunities, organizations gain valuable insights into cheetah behavior and health, informing better management strategies. Involving local communities in rescue efforts fosters positive attitudes toward wildlife, mitigates human-wildlife conflict, and promotes coexistence. Additionally, rescued cheetahs can boost ecotourism, creating economic benefits and job opportunities while preserving essential ecosystems. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to biodiversity preservation and sustainable wildlife management.


The herder, accompanied by an LGD, prepares the herd at CCF's Model Farm for their daily trek into the bush to graze.

Livestock Guarding Dog Program

Launched in 1994, the Livestock Guarding Dog Program has emerged as one of Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) Namibia’s most successful initiatives in protecting wild cheetah populations.

CCF specializes in the Kangal and Anatolian Shepherd dog breeds, both of which originate from Turkey. These breeds have a long history of protecting livestock and are known for their intelligence and independent thinking. With over 6,000 years of experience in guarding livestock, they are well-suited to combat threats from predators. Additionally, their adaptability makes them resilient to the harsh climates and terrains similar to those found in Namibia.

Program Details

The specially trained dogs are raised and bred on CCF’s model farm and are provided to Namibian farmers either for free or at a nominal fee when the puppies reach approximately 11 weeks old. These dogs quickly form bonds with their herds, exhibiting protective behaviors by barking loudly at the sight of cheetahs or other potential predators, effectively scaring them away.

Each Livestock Guarding Dog incurs an annual care cost of over $1,000, which covers training, food, vaccinations, and ongoing support for new owners in the first year.

Impact

Farmers utilizing these Livestock Guarding Dogs (LGDs) have reported an impressive 80% to 100% decrease in predation rates. This program not only alleviates the losses experienced by farmers but has also played a crucial role in reducing the killing of cheetahs and other predators, leading to a more balanced coexistence between livestock and wildlife.

By fostering this symbiotic relationship, the Livestock Guarding Dog Program contributes significantly to the conservation of cheetahs and the livelihood of Namibia’s farming communities.


Interested to learn more, here are other programs implemented by CCF to ensure a sustainable future for the people and the cheetah.

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Farmer Training and Community Outreach

With 90% of Namibia’s wild cheetah population residing on farmlands, human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue for farmers. To address this, CCF runs an environmental education initiative called Future Farmers of Africa.   CCF conducts presentations at farms, farmers’ association meetings, and agricultural shows, where they share insights into cheetah behaviour and predator-friendly livestock management techniques.  CCF also host farmers at the model farm to demonstrate various farming techniques.

Key Training Topics Offered by CCF:

  • Cattle husbandry
  • Herd and veld management
  • Disease and vaccination programs
  • Business principles and inventory management
  • Grassland and wildlife management

Additional training covers sustainable wildlife utilization, the ecological role of predators, predator identification, and various predator-friendly farming practices.

The costs to deliver a workshop can vary from $1,000-$1500.

Impact

This program educates and empowers farmers in Namibia and Somaliland to improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and reduce human-wildlife conflict, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and economic stability.


 Future Conservationists of Africa (FCA)

Historically, cheetahs were among the most widely distributed land animals, with approximately 100,000 individuals across 44 countries in 1900. Today, fewer than 7,500 cheetahs remain in 21 African countries, with fewer than 30 in Iran. The decline is primarily due to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade, stemming from misconceptions about the species and its ecological role. Losing cheetahs would result in a significant biodiversity crisis, affecting ecosystems and local cultures. Namibia is home to the largest remaining population of cheetahs, with over 90% found outside protected areas. CCF aims to counter these challenges by promoting early environmental education to address myths and misunderstandings.

Securing the future for cheetahs also means securing it for the local communities. Through programs like FCA, CCF equips local and international students and educators with the knowledge needed to understand and value conservation, enabling them to contribute to maintaining biodiverse ecosystems and a healthy planet. CCF focuses on training the next generation of African farmers and conservation practitioners, addressing ecological degradation through education for all ages.

The program covers the spectrum of education and hands on field experience, from youth  to adults learning, from school outreach, to weekend camps, internships and much more. The costs for example for a young learner can vary from $30/student for a weekend at CCF camp to $15/student for a school outreach session.

Impact

The CCF Future Conservationist Program has established a profound impact in Namibia and is developing in Somaliland. By empowering communities through education and training, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering awareness about wildlife conservation lead to a more prosperous environment for all . By involving the next generation in these efforts, CCF ensures that local communities are equipped to protect their natural heritage, ultimately contributing to the long-term survival of endangered species like the cheetah.

The program also facilitates global networking among students and partners, enhancing conservation efforts through shared knowledge and collaborative action.


Habitat Restoration

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) focuses on habitat restoration by promoting sustainable land-use practices, rewilding areas, and enhancing biodiversity. Their efforts mitigate human-wildlife conflict and restore ecosystems, leading to healthier habitats for cheetahs and other wildlife. This holistic approach not only aids in the conservation of the cheetah species but also enhances the quality of life for local communities by improving soil health, increasing water availability, and promoting sustainable agriculture. CCF’s habitat restoration initiatives contribute to overall ecological resilience, ensuring that both wildlife and local populations can thrive together.

Over the past 30 years, CCF researched and implemented an alternative and green source of energy by harvesting native overgrown bush into clean energy, thus contributing to the renewable energy mix and ensuring reliable energy access.

CCF research and capital investments have been essential to counter climate change.

Impact

CCF research and conservation work has created new jobs, restored habitat and restored farmland and grassland, hence, establishing a more productive economy for rural regions.

Namibia is now implementing its first Biomass Power Station near Otjikoto.