A study recently published in the journal Onyx by Cambridge University Press, on behalf of Fauna & Flora International, highlights a remarkable conservation success story involving the rehabilitation of orphaned cheetahs in Namibia. Between 2002 and 2018, an initiative released 27 orphaned Namibian cheetahs back into the wild.
Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), the fastest land animals on Earth, are currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List throughout most of their African range. However, their situation is even more dire in specific regions. In north-west Africa, the Northwest African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) is listed as Critically Endangered, with only a small, fragile population remaining. Similarly, in Iran, the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) teeters on the brink of extinction, also categorized as Critically Endangered. Globally, cheetah numbers have plummeted due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, making conservation efforts like the one in Namibia increasingly vital.
Namibia, a country in Southern Africa renowned for its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity, plays a pivotal role in the survival of this iconic species. Experts estimate that the cheetah population in Namibia accounts for approximately 25% of the total global population—a significant proportion that underscores the country’s importance as a stronghold for the species. Unlike many other endangered animals, cheetahs in Namibia and beyond often reside outside formally protected areas, such as national parks or reserves. This makes them particularly vulnerable to threats like livestock predation conflicts, where farmers may kill cheetahs to protect their herds, inadvertently orphaning cubs in the process.
The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a globally recognized leader in cheetah preservation, has been at the forefront of this rehabilitation effort in Namibia.
Before release, the cheetahs undergo a rigorous rehabilitation process to ensure they can fend for themselves, including learning to hunt and avoid human threats. After release, the CCF employs tracking technologies and field observations to monitor their progress, intervening only when necessary to address challenges like injury or habitat displacement.
Researchers argue that the protocols established through this initiative provide a replicable blueprint for cheetah conservation worldwide.
News Source: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/06/rehabilitation-research-returns-orphaned-cheetahs-to-the-wild/
Update: 27 cheetahs have become fully independent in the wild, with one female cheetah raising two cubs. The key factors for success include careful selection of candidates, safe release sites and rigorous monitoring.
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