Training Example: Cheetah Conservation Fund – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Cheetah Fit 2026
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[H1]
Royal Commission for AlUla

Investing in the Future of Cheetah Conservation
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Follow CCF @ccfcheetah

CCF Safari in Namibia

June 13, 2026

[IMG: Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is Being Considered for Best of Namibia Award!]

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is Being Considered for Best of Namibia Award!

June 4, 2026

[IMG: Return of the Cheetah Documentary Series Earns Five International Film Awards]

Return of the Cheetah Documentary Series Earns Five International Film Awards

June 3, 2026

[IMG: The Kraal is Where I Want to Be]

The Kraal is Where I Want to Be

[H2] What's New At CCF

[H3] Sponsor a Dog
Sponsor A Livestock Guarding Dog

[H3] Illegal Pet Trade
Learn about CCF's work fighting IWT

[H3]
Cheetah Facts

[H4] Spot the difference
Adult cheetahs are easily distinguished from other big cats by their solid black spots.

[H4] Built for speed
The cheetahs’ unique body structures allow them to achieve incredible speeds of up to 70 mph (113 km/hr).

[H4] A natural rudder
When running, cheetahs use their tails to steer and change direction, like a rudder on a boat.

About Cheetahs

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[H2] Shrinking habitat
In the last 100 years, the world has lost 90% of the wild cheetah population. Today, one-third of
wild cheetahs live in southern Africa. CCF is working across Africa to save the species throughout its range.

Cheetah range pre-1900

Cheetah range today

CCF Headquarters

Conservation

Research

Education

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Conservation

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Research

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Education

[H2]
Keep up with the cheetahs

Join our mailing list

[IMG: Holistic Conservation Strategy]

[H1]
What We Do

What We Do

Cheetah Conservation Fund’s holistic conservation strategy is the key to success in saving the cheetah and its ecosystem. CCF works to develop best practices that benefit the entire ecosystem upon which the cheetah depends. CCF’s programs address the concerns for wildlife populations and the human communities that share the landscape.

[H3] Fund a Shared Future

With $10, you help protect cheetah habitat and the communities who share it — from farmer training to rangeland restoration.
Donate to Support Conservation

[H3] In Somaliland
CCF’s Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) serves as a rehabilitation center and sanctuary for long term care of cheetahs confiscated from the illegal pet trade by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC). Completed in 2023, the CRCC is the hub of activity for CCF’s research and education driven conservation plan for the region.

Wildlife Observer training at the CRCC in Somaliland

[H3] In Namibia
CCF’s International Research and Education Centre in Namibia is internationally recognized for its excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. From these headquarters, CCF works with all stakeholders across the species’ range to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people.

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs CCF]

[H2]
Livestock Guarding Dogs
CCF’s Livestock Guarding Dog (LGD) program is proven to reduce livestock losses to predators. According to multiple long-term scientific studies, farmers with an LGD are less likely to trap or shoot cheetahs. LGDs are a major part of CCF’s holistic conservation strategy.

Resource Library

Livestock Guarding Dog travelling with the herd

CCF breeds Anatolian shepherd and mixed breed dogs to become LGDs. Now, and for thousands of years, the breed is used to guard small livestock against wolves and bears in Turkey. LGDs are placed with Namibian farmers as puppies. The puppies bond with the herd or flock. As they grow up, their size and loud bark help to scare predators away.

[H2] Conservancies
CCF is a member of Namibia’s Conservancy movement. Conservancies are operated by groups of land owners committed to responsibly manage wildlife. Protecting Namibia’s wildlife treasures is proven to be economically beneficial to conservancies.

Greater Waterberg Landscape Conservancy Map

Because people in the conservancies “own” the wildlife, they are far more interested in protecting it.
In Namibia, areas governed by conservancies are more resistant to poachers. The Greater Waterberg Landscape is the conservancy and economic development area in which CCF participates. CCF works with communal farmers and people living around the Waterberg plateau as part of our holistic conservation strategy.

[IMG: Conservancies CCF]

CCF's conservation strategies focus on the health of the entire ecosystem

[H2] Biomass Technology Development and Bushblok
In 2001, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) collaborated to find a habitat improvement program that would be good for both the ecology and the economy.
CCF is working on a long-term research and development project to restore habitat while developing a renewable fuel source. Overgrown thorn bush is harvested and made into high-heat, low-emission, fuel logs for consumer use. As part of CCF’s programs, CCF Bush (PTY) Ltd. leads our Bushblok program. As the Bushblok program grows, CCF creates new biomass energy potential. As of 2017, CCF operates a biomass technology research and education program at the Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre.

Learn More at bushblok.com

[H2] Livelihood Development
The key to securing a future for the cheetah, is to secure the livelihoods of the people who share its habitat. Through livelihood development, CCF assists the communities living in cheetah-country. People learn the skills to expand their income at our Model Farm. CCF helps local artisans by promoting their jewelry craft and cultural art pieces in our on-site gift shop.

[IMG: Livelihood CCF]

CCF's livelihood development programs include the Dancing Goat Creamery

[IMG: Livelihood Development CCF]

CCF helps Namibian artists and artisans to market and sell their work

The Dancing Goat Creamery creates and sells dairy products made from CCF’s goat milk. The Creamery serves as an example for small stock farmers. Farmers learn how to expand their income by creating new and marketable products. CCF produces honey at our apiary, and grows grapes for wine making. CCF continues to develop new ways for communal farmers to boost their income.

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

[H2]
International Collaboration in Conservation
CCF shares our program successes, to help conservation efforts across the cheetah’s entire range. CCF hosts training seminars, inviting conservationists and researchers from around the world. Developing new conservation programs supports a holistic conservation strategy across Africa.

[H3] In Kenya
CCF works with Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK), to conduct research, conservation, and education programs in the region. Additionally, CCF works with Mara-Meru Cheetah Project to assist in studying the impact of tourism on cheetahs in the Masai Mara. CCF has partners within the tourism industry to distribute materials that promote responsible tourism. CCF provides student and teacher resource materials for use in schools throughout Kenya, and works in cooperation with Friends of Conservation, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Wildlife Clubs.

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

LGD Puppies on their way to Tanzania

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

Mary Wykstra, Director of Action for Cheetahs Kenya and Dr. Elena V. Chelysheva, Project Founder and Principal Investigator
Mara-Meru Cheetah Project and staff at the Pathways Namibia Conference with Dr. Laurie Marker

[H3] In Tanzania
CCF sent LGDs to Tanzania to help with human-wildlife conflict. Tanzania is the fourth country to use CCF’s LGDs. The dogs were sent to the Ruaha Carnivore Project (RCP) run by Dr. Amy Dickman. RCP is part of Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), where CCF Founder and Executive Director Dr. Marker conducted her doctoral research. Goats from neighboring farms were brought to a specially prepared kraal in the RCP research area to begin training with the puppies. The LGD efforts are the first known attempt to use specialized guarding dogs to help protect livestock in Tanzania.

[H3] In Botswana
The cheetah population in Botswana may be the second largest free-ranging population. A large percentage of the cheetahs are found outside of protected areas. Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) uses CCF as a model in the development of their programs. CCF trained the CCB team in handling cheetahs, and helped to develop survey and educational materials for the farming community of Botswana.

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

Dr. Bruce Brewer, Dr. Laurie Marker and Annie Beckhelling at Cheetah Outreach

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) founders Rebecca Klein and Dr. Kyle Good visit CCF

[H3] In South Africa
Fellow conservation organization in South Africa Cheetah Outreach keeps resident cheetahs as educational ambassadors. The ambassadors work with the public to illustrate the problems facing the cheetah. Cheetah Outreach uses CCF’s Namibian education model, and utilizes a school curriculum with the Western Cape Education Department. CCF works with the National Cheetah Monitoring Program and the DeWildt Cheetah Research Center.

[H3] In Iran and India
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) supports Asiatic cheetah conservation efforts through a grant entitled “Conservation of the Asiatic Cheetah, its Natural Habitat and Associated Biota”. CCF supports Iranian conservation to save the last remaining population of Asiatic cheetahs. Dr. Laurie Marker visited Iran multiple times to assist on the project. CCF has a permit to work in Iran thus allowing closer collaboration.
Additionally, CCF works in an advisory capacity with the Wildlife Trust of India and India’s authorities. Discussions and strategies are focused on re-introducing cheetahs in India.

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

Game camera photo captured in Iran

[IMG: International Collaboration CCF]

Dr. Laurie Marker and Patricia Tricorache with Nejuum Jimi and Dr. Abdirizak Dahir Awale the Dean of the University of Hargeisa College of Agriculture Veterinary and Animal Science

[H3] In North and West Africa
Dr. Laurie Marker is a member of projects in North and West Africa. CCF is part of a group to look at the needs required to save the Sahel cheetah. In Algeria, CCF works in cooperation with a French Zoological Park, the Paris Museum of Natural History, and the Cat Specialist Group.

[H3]
Collaborative Conservation Partners
CCF has reciprocal relationships with other conservation organizations to develop and expand conservation efforts across the cheetah’s range.

Action for Cheetahs in Kenya

Website

AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction

Website

Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB)

Website

Smithsonian Institute - Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)

Website

Cheetah Outreach

Website

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Website

Range Wide Conservation Project for Cheetah and African Wild Dog (RWCP)

Website

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Website

Iranian Cheetah Society

Website

IUCN Redlist of Threatened Species

Website

Mara-Meru Cheetah Project

Website

Painted Dog Research Trust

Website

Panthera

Website

TRAFFIC - The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network

Website

Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN)

Website

Related Reading

April 15, 2024

From Classroom to Field Work: A New Perspective

March 1, 2024

Building Sustainable Futures: Community-Centered Conservancy in Somaliland

February 28, 2023

Future Farmers of Africa in Somaliland – Partnerships in Conservation

[H1]
What We Do

What We Do

Scientific research is the backbone of CCF’s education and conservation activities. CCF’s scientific research on cheetahs focuses on a number of aspects of the cheetah’s life cycle, biology and genetics. Research projects also include ecology, human-wildlife conflict, agriculture, and biomass energy.

[IMG: Tracking studies scientific research on cheetahs]

[H2]
Cheetah Research
The scientific research on cheetahs conducted by CCF and its collaborators focuses on many aspects of cheetah biology. Research topics included genetics, reproductive physiology, and virology.
Early studies identified the cheetah’s limited genetic variation. The findings identified the reproductive and health problems found in the species across its range.

Resource Library

Collaring a cheetah before release

[H2] The Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory
CCF is home to a world class research facility that is unique in Africa. The Life Technologies Conservation Genetics Laboratory is the only fully-equipped genetics lab in situ at a conservation facility in Africa. From this facility, CCF collaborates with scientists around the globe. Research not only benefits the cheetah and its ecosystem, but other big cats and predators as well.

[H3] Fund a Shared Future

With $25, you support the science behind cheetah recovery — from genetics research that traces trafficked cubs to tracking collars that monitor released cheetahs.
Donate to Support Research

[H3] Scat Detection Dogs
Trained scat detection dogs help CCF geneticists find cheetah scat in the field. Scat dogs use different signals to their handler to indicate what type of animal scat is present. Once the sample is collected it is taken to the laboratory. DNA is extracted to identify individual cheetahs and understand cheetah and other carnivore population structures.

Scat dog signals next to a sample at a playtree

Rewarding the scat dog with play

[H3] Cheetah Population Study in Namibia
CCF’s population study for the Namibian cheetah has been ongoing since 1990, with over 750 tissue & 1000 scat samples collected to date. Those samples now allow for research on Namibian cheetah populations over a timespan of 30 years and counting. Population monitoring within CCF’s 50.000 hectares of wildlife conservancy, in combination with genetic analysis via microsatellite markers, allows us to identify individual cheetahs by both visual and genetic traits. As part of this study, Dr. Marker obtained her Phd with Oxford University, for which 322 samples from 7 north-central Namibian regions were assessed genetically, and compared by origin. To further broaden our insight in the structure of cheetah populations, landscape genetic analyses are planned to assess the southern African cheetah A. j. jubatus and it’s diversity.
[H3] Genetic Samples
CCF has a large sample collection that is available for genetic research. If you are interested in any of the samples outlined on our species list or to make use of our laboratory and/or to collaborate, please contact us at [email protected].

Dr. Anne Schmidt-Küntzel is a conservation geneticist and veterinarian serving as the Assistant Director for Animal Health and Research at CCF. She established CCF's conservation genetics laboratory in 2008 and oversees its operations, along with CCF's Veterinary Health and Scat Detection Dog departments. Her research focuses on conservation and molecular genetics, veterinary health, and combating the illegal cub trade — tracing the geographic origins of confiscated cubs and developing strategies to reduce trafficking. Dr. Schmidt-Küntzel has co-edited a book, published multiple book chapters, and authored more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

[H3] Illegal Wildlife Trade Studies
To help fight illegal wildlife trade, CCF operates a Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre (CRCC) in Somaliland, in collaboration with the Somaliland wildlife authorities. In 2019 alone, the genetics laboratory in Namibia received 146 samples from 53 individuals in Somaliland. CCF also received samples from various veterinary and breeding facilities in the UAE. To date, 97 have been extracted and genotyped to detect the animals’ origin. In addition to the genetic work, CCF initiated a sperm bank for the UAE, and held multiple workshops on the collection and viable freezing of sperm from adult male cheetahs to preserve the genetic diversity of the source populations.

CCF's Clinic in Somaliland

Cheetah cub workup and sample gathering

[H3] Disease Research
[H4] Oxalate Nephrosis
(University of Illinois, USA; SANBI, RSA) Primers for two candidate genes potentially causative of oxalate nephrosis were designed and optimized at CCF and tested on selected cases and controls. To date no mutation was found.
[H4] Babesia
Babesia is caused by a parasite living in red blood cells. CCF developed a genotyping assay and is comparing its accuracy compared to visual screening of blood smears. CCF is also
interested in the transmission rate of babesia from affected ticks.
[H4] Amyloidosis
(in collaboration with the Smithsonian research institute) the study could confirm a genetic component to the blood levels of amyloid in cheetahs, however, no correlation between the genetic variation and disease status could be established, and housing had a much stronger impact than genetic background.

[H3] Carnivore Studies
CCF participates in a number of international collaborations on the genetics of multiple species of carnivores.

[H3] Caracal Study

DNA from Caracal hair and tissue samples, collected from killer traps in South Africa, were extracted and genotyped at the genetics laboratory to assess relatedness and sex of individuals. This study’s aim is to determine sex, genetic profile, and relatedness of the animals.
In Collaboration with University of British Columbia

[H3] Brown Hyena study

With a set of brown hyena (Hyena brunnea) paste marks we optimized protocols to successfully extract DNA. Based on those paste marks, individuals were identified, and 59 samples were successfully genotyped with published markers. Additional markers are needed, and will be developed.
In Collaboration with Brown Hyena Research Project

[H3] African Wild Dog & Carnivore Diets

African wild dogs – CCF is performing a study on relatedness on litters that were rescued from human wildlife conflict situations, in order to help advise the best release strategies.
Carnivore species ID & diet – 50 carnivore scat samples were collected and tested for the species they originate from, using a mitrochondrial marker. The diet was determined using hair, bone, exoskeleton, and vegetation analysis.

[H3] Herbivore Studies
CCF participates in a number of international collaborations on the genetics of multiple species of herbivores.

[H3] Etosha Elephant Relatedness

This study aims to analyse the relatedness between the family members of several elephant herds visiting a waterhole in Etosha National Park. So far, we received 426 elephant scat samples, of which 203 in 2019. High priority samples have been identified, extracted, and partial genotypes obtained for 12 markers.
In Collaboration with Stanford University

[H3] Buffalo Study

Population structure and gene flow, including the impact of human disturbances on historic vs. recent samples, were assessed in buffalo from northern Namibia. DNAs were extracted at CCF and submitted to a heat inactivation to remove all risk of foot and mouth disease being spread via the samples. Analysis was performed in the USA.
In Collaboration with Oregon State University

[H3] Black & White Rhino Pedigree

A pedigree for white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), performed by visiting researcher Abigail Guerier, from Ongava Wildlife Reserve’s Research Centre, was finalized and published in 2012 as part of Abigail’s MSc. In the beginning of 2013 she started a genetics project on Ongava’s resident population of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) at the CCF genetics laboratory. The project is on-going, and more samples are added as they are collected by the Ongava research team.
In Collaboration with Ongava Private Game Reserve

[H2] The Haas Family Veterinary Clinic
The Haas Family Veterinary Clinic allows us to collect samples from the injured or orphaned cheetahs taken into our facility. The clinic is an ideal space to give prompt veterinary care to non-releasable cheetahs, dogs, goats and other animals that live at our centre.

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[H3] Cheetah Health and Reproduction
CCF’s on-going research on the wild cheetah includes studying the genetics and relatedness of the population, the incidence of disease, stress hormone levels, and the reproductive health of the population. Through weighing and measuring for morphometric studies, analysis of dental structure and reproductive fitness, CCF is learning more about the overall health of the world’s cheetah population.

[H3] Genome Resource Bank
CCF uses best-practice techniques for storing sperm, tissues and blood samples in its Genome Resource Bank (GRB). These materials provide ‘insurance’ for the cheetah’s survival. As a result, CCF maintains one of the largest GRB’s for an endangered species.
Cryopreservation methods continue to be studied and refined in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, USA.

[H3] Behavior Demographics, Home Range, and Reintroduction
CCF investigates the movement of released cheetahs to determine home ranges, habitat preference and seasonal use, territoriality, and behaviors. The behaviors are unique to individual cheetah populations and may prove critical for the cheetahs’ survival.
CCF develops and implements relocation, reintroduction, and non-invasive monitoring methodologies to ensure a viable wild population. Data is gathered on the status of wild cheetahs across the species’ range.

[IMG: Rewilding scientific research on cheetahs]

Cheetah is collared in preparation for release

[IMG: Radio telemetry scientific research on cheetahs]

Satellite tracking of a collared and released cheetah

[H3] Cheetah Census Research
Cheetahs are very difficult to count using conventional census techniques due to their secretive nature. CCF has tested various census and monitoring techniques to gather scientific research on cheetahs. The research includes radio-telemetry, spoor track counts and camera traps. The data gathered is compared to known density estimates in our research study area.
In 2023, CCF performed the first set of cheetah population surveys in Somaliland to determine the current density and distribution of the species. Knowing how many cheetahs remain in the Horn of Africa will help CCF to understand the true impact of the illegal wildlife trade in the region.

[IMG: Biomass technology scientific research on cheetahs]

[H2]
Biomass Technology Research
The Biomass Technology Demonstration Centre (BTDC) researches a wide range of biomass technologies. An emphasis is placed on those that are capable of generating sustained economic enterprises: briquette logs, charcoal hex logs, lump charcoal, pyrolysis-based electrical generation and other promising technology such as wood pellet production, alternative chipping power trains, and Stirling engines.

Learn more

Energy conference held at CCF's BTDC in 2018

[H3] Ecological Research and Biomass
CCF identifies vegetation and monitors growth patterns within CCF study areas, identifying target areas for ecological management, and investigating how bush encroachment affects biodiversity. CCF also conducts prey base studies that monitor habitat use by game species. CCF collates historical data regarding predation, develops methodologies for the reintroduction of prey species, and encourages standardized prey studies in other cheetah-range countries.
Research projects include studies on habitat restoration and biomass technology development. CCF developed Bushblok clean-burning fuel logs based on the findings of multiple long-term studies.

[H3] Investigating Human-Wildlife Conflict
Education on human-wildlife conflict CCF collaborates with farmers to better understand traditional farm management techniques. Perceptions on predators are also collected and studied.
CCF evaluates non-lethal predator control methods in livestock management. These methods can reduce the indiscriminate removal of cheetahs and other predators in the landscape. The research program includes studies conducted at CCF’s Model Farm and CCF’s Livestock Guarding Dogs.

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[IMG: Livestock Guarding Dogs scientific research on cheetahs]

[H3]
Collaborative Research Partners
CCF has long-term research partnerships with academic and research institutions around the world, encompassing a broad spectrum of subject matter pertaining to the cheetah.
CCF also maintains close ties with zoos and wildlife parks to collaborate on projects involving captive cheetah populations and genetics.

Beskee Bergen, NL

Website

Bronx Zoo

Website

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, USA

Website

IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Cat Specialist Group

Website

Cheetah Species Survival Plan of AZA

Website

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Website

Colorado State University, USA

Website

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, USA

Website

Dallas Zoological Society, USA

Website

Disney's Animal Kingdom, The Disney Conservation Fund, USA

Website

Safari Park Dvůr Králové, CZ

Website

Earthwatch Institute, USA

Website

European Endangered Species Plan (EEP) of EAZA

Website

Indianapolis Zoo, USA

Website

Little Rock Zoo, USA

Website

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, USA

Website

Maryland Zoo, USA

Website

Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), NM

Website

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), NM

Website

Naples Zoo at Cari

[H1]
What We Do

What We Do

Environmental education is vital to Cheetah Conservation Fund’s mission. CCF’s research show that public education will help ensure a future for the species in the wild. The development of national pride and international concern for the cheetah are critical to the species survival. In order to reach the widest audience possible, CCF educates farmers, teachers, and the public about methods to conserve biodiversity. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the cheetah and other predators in healthy ecosystems.
[H3] CCF’s Research Conservation and Education Centre
In central Namibia, CCF operates a Field Research and Education Centre to conduct formal and informal environmental education programs. The Center is open to the public daily and offers educational activities, programs for visiting school groups, and training for Namibian and university students from around the world.

[H3] Fund a Shared Future

Education helps children discover the role cheetahs play in their world. With $5, you can help one student learn to protect cheetahs. With $10, you reach a classroom with printed resources.
Donate to Support Education

[H2] CCF’s Education Teams
Work within the communities in Namibia and Somaliland to present conservation-focused environmental education programming. Since 2000, tens of thousands of students have participated in courses at CCF’s Research and Education Centre in Namibia. In 2023, CCF’s educational materials were recreated and translated for use in outreach programming to schools in Somaliland. In addition to school groups, specially designed programs are offered for: regional youth groups, youth officials, teachers, health officials and farmers.
[H3] School Outreach Programs
Along with environmental educational activities conducted at CCF’s Centre, CCF’s Education Team presents outreach programs at schools and community events throughout Namibia and Somaliland. Since 1994, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in our conservation-focused educational outreach.

[IMG: Environmental education at CCF]

[H3] CCF’s Cheetah Museum

Displays at CCF’s Cheetah Museum provide detailed information about the cheetah and what CCF is doing to ensure the species’ survival.
Learn More

[IMG: Environmental education at CCF]

[H3] CCF’s Model Farm

Students and farmers learn contemporary predator-friendly farming practices that diversify and enhance income streams.
Learn More

[IMG: Environmental education at Camp Lightfoot]

[H3] Camp Lightfoot

Students and instructors stay overnight for multi-day immersive experiences near CCF’s main campus.
Learn More

[IMG: Environmental education at the Biomass and Technology Demonstration Centre]

[H3] Biomass Technology Demonstration Center

Biomass energy production training facility for energy industry professionals and the public.
Learn More

Thousands of participants have undergone training at CCF’s Center. Several training courses are conducted each year.

[H3] Farmer Training And Community Outreach
The majority of cheetahs live outside of protected lands and come into conflict with people raising livestock. To help mitigate human-wildlife conflict, CCF conducts an environmental education program for the farming and pastoralist communities. CCF makes presentations at villages and communities, speaking at farmers’ association meetings and agricultural shows to highlight cheetah behavioral characteristics and predator-friendly livestock management techniques.
Select farmer training courses offered by CCF:
Cattle husbandry
Herd and veld management
Disease and vaccination programs
Business principles and inventorying conservancy resources
Other topics include basic conservation training on sustainable wildlife utilization and the role and value of predators, predator kill identification and other ‘predator-friendly’ farming practices.

Kill-ID activity helps identify the predator responsible for predation on livestock

Farmers visit CCF for training

Pathways Africa Conference at CCF

[IMG: Environmental education at CCF]

Farmers during CCF training activity

Cat Specialist Conference at CCF

Outreach to a farm for follow-up

Farmer training certificates awarded

[IMG: Environmental education at CCF]

Farmer training with Dr. Marker

Goat Conference with Dr. Terry Gipson

[IMG: Environmental education at CCF]

Kill-ID activity on International Cheetah Day

Global Cheetah Forum Workshop

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[H3] International Training Courses
The next generation of African conservation managers must be equipped with the best training available. CCF hosts education and conservation biology courses for wildlife professionals.
Hundreds of participants have completed courses on subjects such as:
Natural resource management
Environmental education
Conservation biology
Game capture
Integrated wildlife management
livestock and predator management

[H3]
Education Partners
CCF works in partnership with universities, colleges, trade and vocational schools across the world. Students and professors utilize CCF’s state-of-the-art facilities and unique proximity to the wildlife and wild spaces of Namibia.

Cherrydale Primary School

Website

Colorado State University - Warner College of Natural Resources

Website

Cornell University

Website

Dartmouth College

Website

Earth Expeditions

Website

Earthwatch Institute

Website

Eastern Oregon University

Website

Environmental Educators Association of Southern Africa

Website

First National Bank (Namibia)

Website

Grand Valley State University

Website

Langston University’s E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research

Website

Lions Club Windhoek Alte Feste

Website

Miami University

Website

Michigan State University

Website

Murdoch University

Website

Namibia Environmental Educators Network - NEEN

Facebook Page

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Website

National Geographic Student Expeditions

Website

Oregon State University

Website

Otterbein University

Website

Stanford University

Website

The Traveling School

Website

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency - TIKA

Website

The University of Arizona

Website

University of Hargeisa - College of Agri & Veterinary Medicine

Website

University of Nebraska

Website

University of Namibia (UNAM)

Website

University of Namibia Khomasdal Education Department

Website

University of Oxford

Website

Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences

Website

Vanier College

Website

Venture Force

Website

Wakefield School

Website

World Challenge UK

Website

Related Reading

February 28, 2025

Protecting Cheetahs, Empowering Communities: A Holistic Approach to Conservation in Somaliland

January 23, 2023

Visit from Colby College Student Group

September 28, 2022

Rabies Vaccination Campaigns for World Rabies Day