Exciting News in Namibia: New Arrivals in Our Conservation Programmes
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- by Zila Oliveira 26 December 2024
We are delighted to share the latest updates from the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia. Our conservation efforts have received a significant boost with the arrival of new livestock guarding dogs and dairy goats, each playing a vital role in promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Livestock Guarding Dogs: A New Generation of Ambassadors
On 19th November 2024, Koda, one of our dedicated breeding females, gave birth to eight healthy puppies—two males and six females. This new litter is set to contribute to our Livestock Guarding Dog programme, which helps mitigate human-wildlife conflict. These puppies are thriving under our care, and their development has been a joy to watch. They are beginning to eat solid food and have been fitted with individual coloured collars to ensure personalised care.
Koda has also stepped in as a foster mum for a female puppy from another breeding female, April, who gave birth two days earlier. This collaboration highlights the adaptability and resilience of our dogs and the commitment of our team.
These puppies will eventually join farms in areas prone to human-wildlife conflict, where they will protect livestock from predators like cheetahs. Their presence has been proven to reduce livestock losses by up to 90%, fostering harmony between farming communities and wildlife.
Dairy Goats: Sustaining Communities and Conservation
The Model Farm’s second dairy goat kidding season of the year has begun, bringing healthy new kids into the world. Carefully planned kidding seasons ensure that each goat produces milk for our Dancing Goat Creamery while prioritising animal welfare.
The young goats are thriving, with many already standing strong and exploring their surroundings. Their mothers are producing vital colostrum, setting a strong foundation for their development. The milk from these goats supports local communities, providing fresh dairy products to supermarkets, cafés, and lodges across Namibia.
How You Can Help
Namibia is home to around 25% of Africa’s cheetah population, which coexists with farming communities. The loss of livestock to predators can devastate farmers, creating tensions that threaten wildlife. CCF works to mitigate this through innovative programmes that support both farmers and predators.
You can play a part in these efforts by adopting a goat or a livestock guarding dog for just £3 per month (or £36 per year). Your support helps sustain our programmes, educate communities, and expand efforts to protect cheetahs and their habitats. Together, we can secure a future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously.
Adoptions are available within the UK due to international postage fees. Each adoption makes a significant difference, providing tools to ensure cheetahs continue to thrive in Namibia.
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