N e w s l e t t e r PO BOX 1755 OTJIWARONGO, NAMIBIA ISSUE NUMBER 21 JAN 2005

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1 N e w s l e t t e r PO BOX 1755 OTJIWARONGO, NAMIBIA ISSUE NUMBER 21 JAN 2005 President Nujoma given Conservation award DR. NUJOMA BEING PRESENTED WITH THE 2004 LIFETIME CONSERVATION AWARD BY CCF S DR. LAURIE MARKER. Global Cheetah Census Workshop held in Tanzania An international Cheetah Census Technique Development Workshop was held at the Ndutu Lodge in the Serengeti, Tanzania during June. A total of 34 people from 7 countries participated in this workshop. Namibia was well represented by Dr. Laurie Marker (Director, CCF), Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith (Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CCF), Amy Dickman (Research Assistant, CCF) and Harald Forster (Okatumba Wildlife Trust). The workshop aimed at developing global standards for censusing cheetah and for determining the best methodologies and most appropriate conditions for applying them. Range country scientists, working with farmers, face the ongoing challenge of accurate and consistent census data on this species - a species that continues to defy standard monitoring techniques. Representatives presented regional reports on the work conducted in these countries. A Cheetah Census Technique Manual will be developed to ensure standardisation and guidelines for all census methodologies. On a New York September day, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma, president of the Republic of Namibia, received the 2004 Lifetime Conservation Award by the Cheetah Conservation Fund s (CCF) Executive Director, Dr. Laurie Marker. Acknowledging his stewardship of cheetah conservation in Namibia, Nujoma was presented the award of a bronze cheetah in the presence of over 80 Namibian, American and international guests at the Explorers Club. Nujoma has been CCF s International Patron since Under his direction, Namibia has become a leader in African and world conservation and is recognised Following the workshop, range country scientists are now tasked with exploring the suitability of the various techniques for their areas and developing pilot studies to test techniques with a view to implementing long term monitoring programmes for cheetahs. This workshop was the outcome of years of combined initiatives directed at developing a set of reliable, cost effective and repeatable census methodologies for use across a broad range of habitats in areas where cheetahs occur but are rarely seen. The CCF s Scientific Action Plan meeting in 1998 identified the need for a Global Cheetah Action Plan and the development of a reliable census technique methodology. Subsequently, two global cheetah action planning workshops were held in 2000 and 2001, out of which formed the Global Cheetah Forum. Cheetah conservationists and enthusiasts from 14 countries developed the Global Cheetah Action Plan which covers issues ranging from education and awareness, biomedical, reproduction and ecological research, and human/wildlife conflict, captive breeding and trade. internationally for these practices, said Marker. Introducing the award was Mrs. Annie Graham, CCF USA s Board Chairwoman, who quoted one of Nujoma s favoured proverbs, The earth is not ours, it is a treasure we hold in trust for future generations. In addition to the statue, a certificate of the award was presented that included a photo of a female cheetah with her five cubs born at the Cincinnati Zoo from cheetahs that were given to the people of the United States in 2001 by His Excellency, Dr. Nujoma. CHEETAH CENSUS TECHNIQUES INCLUDE: direct counts: visual observations/tag and release Carnivore atlassing/ questionnaires/gis data Spoor counts Camera traps Photographic survey Working dogs CCF phone: (067) CCF fax: (067) CCF cheeta@iafrica.com.na The Cheetah Conservation Fund, a Namibian non-profit, was founded in 1990 to save the wild cheetah and its habitat through research, conservation and education programmes. IN THIS ISSUE... Ecology & Biology pg 4 Guarding Dogs pg 7 Education pg 8 Community News pg 10 Editorials pg 12 Worldwide pg 14 CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 1

2 notesfrom THE DIRECTOR Dear CCF Friends, Happy New Year! I hope 2005 will be a great year for all of you as well as for the cheetah! Each new year provides us time to reflect on the past and plan our future. Our newsletter is designed to share CCF s activities with you and continue to invite you to make use of our facilities and our trained staff who are always eager to share information with your community, farmers and conservancy associations and schools. CCF is a forward thinking organisation and must be if we are to accomplish our goal of assuring the survival of cheetah by maintaining viable populations of cheetahs in the wild and to provide scientific support for these conservation activities. Ongoing studies gather and analyse biological data, and monitor and evaluate the cheetah s ecosystem including habitat and prey base, and continue to develop non-lethal livestock management techniques. DR. LAURIE MARKER CCF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We look forward to working with you in our many programmes that incorporate proven management techniques so that harmony can be a part of the African ecosystem for many generations to come. newsbriefs CANAM HOSTS STUDENT ART POSTER COMPETITION The Conservancies Association of Namibia (CANAM) launched a poster competition challenging learners with the topic: Conservation is our future. The objective of the competition was to raise learner awareness on conservation issues and the role of conservancies in Namibia. Winners received a cash prize and were treated to an outing at the Namibian Animal Rehabilitation, Research and Education Centre (NARREC). Three posters featuring the winning artwork were designed by CCF s Jen Newlin Bell and are available from CANAM for N$ 10 each. For further information contact CANAM at: (061) CCF S NEW LOGO Designed by friends of CCF USA in Ohio and Texas. Overview on LCMAN for 2004 The Large Carnivore Management Association of Namibia (LCMAN) met three times in These meetings brought together a variety of stakeholders working together to promote the conservation of Namibia s predators. LCMAN members have been active in developing and implementing methods to reduce farmer/predator conflict, to research large carnivores, to gather and disseminate information to the farming community, environmental education and to develop guidelines for captive carnivore management, amongst others. High on the agenda for 2005 is implementing the action steps developed at the recent Global Cheetah Forum Cheetah Census Technique Development Workshop held in Tanzania (see page 1). Following the AGM in June, goals and priorities were set for the coming year. More farmer involvement is placed high on the priority list, considering farmers are the individuals who are literally living with a host of hungry predators in their backyards. The LCMAN is pleased that the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) recently joined the Association and hopes to have several other organisations join in the coming year, said LCMAN Chairman, Dr. Mark Jago. LCMAN was brought to life in 1996 to bring together carnivore conservationists in Namibia. Starting off as an informal Forum, the group formalised into an Association in For further information on LCMAN, please contact the LCMAN Secretary, Bonnie Schumann, at: cheeta@iafrica.com.na,tel: (067) NAMIBIAN VETERINARIANS VISIT CCF EDUCATION DONATION The Brevard Zoo in Florida, as part of a grant from the American Zoo Association s Cheetah SSP, donated a suitcase for survival of hand puppets, plush toys, games, posters, books and art supplies to Namibia s CCF education programmes and to cheetah projects in Botswana and Kenya. DART GUN DONATED Telinject Germany recently donated a Vario 4V. 310 Tele-injection dart gun along with applicator and accessories. This equipment, which is used to immobilise cheetahs, forms a valuable addition to CCF s clinic. IN OCTOBER, VETS FROM THROUGHOUT NAMIBIA AND SOUTH AFRICA ATTENDED A STUDY EXCURSION TO CCF AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL AGM. WITH CCF S CONSERVATION BIOLOGISTS, THE VISITING VETS PARTICIPATED IN AN ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURE AND SEMEN COLLECTION ON A CHEETAH. ABOVE, VETS LEARN MORE ABOUT CCF S CAPTIVE CHEETAHS. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 2

3 The CCF hosts Reflections 2004 gala celebration The sixth annual CCF fund-raising gala dinner and auction was held at the Windhoek Country Club on 24 July, The evening, Reflections, a Celebration of Speed and Elegance, was attended by a record 430 guests and raised over N$ for continued support of CCF programmes. The evenings guest speaker was Dr. T. Tjivikua, Rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia. Sharon van Rooi and her jazz band and the Katatura Youth Choir entertained the guests. Each year CCF presents awards to various individuals to their contribution to cheetah conservation (see below). In addition, celebrating both his birthday and over 10 years of sponsorship of CCF, Carl Hilker was given a gigantic birthday cake. Many thanks to all those who donated such wonderful auction items; from a set of Dunlop 4x4 tyres to a bottle of Chanel No. 5. Truly, something for everyone! So many people contributed hundreds of hours planning, telephoning and helping cheetah conservation award RECIPIENTS get the Oryx Rooms ready for the event. Special mention to Mary Kruger, Terri and Monika Breytenbach of Piccolo Mondo Designs for the fantastic table centre pieces, The Windhoek Country Club for flawless service and a delicious dinner, Springer Chocolates, Distell Namibia, John Meinert Printing, Susan Mitchinson and, of course, all the CCF supporters who bought tickets, bought cheetah wine and bid generously. The 2005 gala dinner is scheduled for Saturday, 30 July. Mark your calendars! To raise awareness of the unsung heroes of conservation, each year CCF presents awards at the gala ann VAN DYK The 2004 Cheetah Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to Ann van Dyk whose years of dedicated work in South Africa exemplify how conservation has evolved. Van Dyke is the founder and director of the DeWildt Cheetah Breeding Centre in South Africa, which is one of the most successful breeding centres in the world. Cheetahs are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, but the DeWildt Cheetah Breeding Centre has successfully bred over 600 animals since the early 1970s. DeWildt s captive bred cheetahs are found at recognised zoological parks throughout the world. The cheetah programme has now been joined by breeding programmes for other threatened species including brown hyena, wild dog, and vultures. gala guest SPEAKER Our obligations are a symbol of our environmental conscience, our awareness that our future survival is inextricably linked to the well-being of our natural environment, and also our awareness that we are just one species out of millions who all have an equal right to share this planet. - DR. T. TJIVIKUA, RECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA dr. RUDRAN A special award was presented to Dr. Rudy Rudran, Head of the Training and Education Division in the Department of Conservation Biology of the Smithsonian Institution s National Zoological Park in USA. Dr. Rudran was at CCF overseeing his 100 th course entitled Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management. He has taught over 2000 conservation students since 1981, and conducted courses in more than 15 countries. ludwig SWARTZ The 2004 Cheetah Conservation Educators Award is a new award to recognise teacher s outstanding contribution to environmental education and especially predator conservation. The award was presented to Mr. Ludwig Swartz, a teacher from the Rogate Primary School in Otjiwarongo. Swartz has been teaching for 13 years and has been involved with CCF for nearly as long. Swartz considers himself a spokesperson for the cheetah at Rogate School. dr. BAGOT-SMITH The 2004 Cheetah Conservation Commercial Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith (pictured above right), veterinarian and cattle breeder. Bagot-Smith is an award winning cattle farmer and has assumed leadership roles in both the Simbra and Simmentaler associations. In addition, he is Chairman of the CCF Board of Trustees. He participates in CCF s farmer based activities as well as cheetah scientific meetings in Namibia and abroad, and collaborates in CCF s ongoing research. He has participated in workshops for communal farmers on dog nutrition and health as well as lecturing on cattle and smallstock health. grootberg FARMERS The 2004 Cheetah Conservation Communal Farmer of the Year Award was accepted by Dawid Goagoseb (pictured above left) on behalf of the Grootberg Farmers Integrated Livestock Improvement Scheme. In August 1995 several Grootberg farmers formed a cooperative livestock management scheme and over 185 scheme members now work to improve the quality of the community s livestock through the development and distribution of quality rams. Further project objectives include the training of community members in livestock management and selection, and the marketing of culled animals. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 3

4 SPERM research notes reproductionupdate Dr. Adrienne Crosier, a Reproductive Physiologist from the Smithsonian Institution based at CCF for the past three years, presented her research on advances made in the cryopreservation of spermatozoa at the 37 th annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction held in August in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Society is composed of ~2000 members from around the world and meets annually for dissemination of research in reproductive sciences to its members. Crosier presented data focusing on improvements in cheetah sperm cryopreservation procedures leading to increased sperm survival after freezing and thawing. The presentation was the only one at the conference focusing on reproduction of wild felids and one of only a handful discussing non-domestic species. Current projects are focusing on determining levels of reactive oxygen in cheetah semen. These naturally occuring agents can cause damage to cells and studies will evaluate inclusion of antioxidants, which combat the agents. Advances in sperm cryopreservation procedures help to develop the most efficient Genome Resource Bank (GRB) for cheetahs possible. Currently, the Namibian GRB, stored at CCF, holds 125 cheetah sperm samples, 6 from lion, 2 from leopards and 1 from aardwolf. Two manuscripts on sperm cryopreservation research at CCF will be in print in cheetahecology & BIOLOGY In October, CCF received a call from a farmer who had caught a radio-collared cheetah. As CCF is not currently radiotracking cheetahs, we were very interested to know who this individual was, as very few collared cheetahs were unaccounted for in March 2003 when CCF s radio-tracking was concluded. Based on her radio-collar details and transponder number, we identified this cheetah as one that was radio-collared in 1998 when she was estimated to be 6-7 years old. At the time she had three 14 month old cubs that were ear-tagged and transpondered before being re-released. We know from sightings of this cheetah during aerial tracking that she subsequently had another litter of three cubs and that her home range extended from south of the Okakarara/Otjiwarongo road to east of the Omatako mountains. THE STORY OF ELSIE Collared cheetah retires at CCF She was tracked for about a year before the collar signal stopped. Known as collar number 802, she was caught about 80 km s east of the Omatako mountains, indicating she was using the same home range as she was using six years ago. This case was particularly interesting as we do not see many very old cheetahs. Although this cheetah was in a good condition, tipping the scales at 41kgs, she is estimated to be 13 years old. She has cataracts in both eyes, very blunt canines and is missing all her incisors, explaining why she was catching sheep and why this farmer caught her. She would most likely end up taking livestock again if released onto farmland, so she is now retired at CCF. If you are having cheetah problems, call CCF at (067) for help. Four cubs to new home and more cubs come to CCF In May, CCF was called to collect an eight-month old cheetah that had been found alone in the veld and was starving. In addition, his left front leg was badly broken and infected. The infection responded well to vigorous antibiotic therapy and the leg healed well. This cheetah, Rolf, was housed at CCF together with another young male nearly the same age whose family was shot near the Etosha border in a game camp. This cub, named Etosha, also had an old break to his right front leg. The break destabilised a few weeks after arriving at CCF and necessitated a plate being put in to stabilise the leg. Because both cubs were so young on arrival and without their mothers, they will not be able to go back into the wild. Cheetah cubs are dependant on their mothers for their survival up until the age of approximately 18 to 22 months. In November, CCF placed these two new males, and two other male CCF captive cubs, Mr. Big and Tuano (see newsletter number 20), on loan to the guest farm Bagatelle. Following a day to acclimatise to their new surroundings in the handling pen, Mr. Big, Tuano, Rolf and Etosha were given access to their12 hectare enclosure on the second day. The CCF will visit the facility again early next year to conduct annual health checks on these cheetahs. The CCF thanks Fred and Onie Jacobs for providing such a great new home for these cheetahs. Just after these four cubs went to their new home, CCF received four more cheetah cubs. CCF staff found one cub, a six month old female, being held in a small wire cage while visiting a farm. This cub will be integrated into a group of female cheetahs of similar age which are already at CCF. Three more orphan cheetah cubs, about five months old, were collected in the Dordabis area. It was discovered that one of the cubs had a broken 4 th neck vertebra and a broken front foot, no doubt injuries sustained during the capture process. The foot was cast and the neck injury monitored. Both injuries are healing well. Thanks to the Otjiwarongo Vet Clinic for their help with these orphans. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 4

5 researchnotes GIRAFFE STUDY CONDUCTED Per Jacobsson, a Master s student from the University of Stockholm, Sweden, conducted a study on the CCF giraffe population. Jacobsson began his study by making a giraffe identification guide then he looked into population demography, feeding preferences and movement patterns. His study will estimate the carrying capacity of giraffes in the Bellebenno Game Reserve. Results have showed that there are 29 giraffes: 15 males, 10 females and 4 unsexed calves, and that they feed on Black hook thorn, A.mellifera, Camel thorn, A. erioloba, and the Shepherds tree, Boscia albitrunca. CCF RELEASES SPRINGBOK In August, CCF released 250 springbok on their 1300 hectare big field known as the Little Serengti. The herds will be monitored to assess survival rates given the predation and vegetation limitations. The herds consist of four different gene pools bought from farms in southern Namibia for a variation of genotype and phenotype qualities such as adaptability, reproduction and reduced inbreeding. Although the majority are still around the big field, the springbok have dispersed throughout the Waterberg Conservancy. SCENT LURES RESEARCHED Hanne-Elise Toorman, a wildlife management student from Belgium, conducted scent lure trials at CCF. Six different scents were used with CCF captive cheetahs to monitor rubbing bahaviour to collect hair. Scent lures have been used successfully in other carnivore census studies. Scent lure stations in the wild could be used for cheetah population estimates using DNA from hair. CHEETAH REMOVAL ON NAMIBIAN FARMLANDS: Reasons, rates & conservation implications BY DR. LAURIE MARKER CCF Executive Director Cheetah populations continue to decline worldwide, but Namibia still has the largest free-ranging population (+ 3,000), of which 90% are found outside of protected areas on commercial farms, where they come into conflict with local farmers and have been removed in large numbers. In 1991, CCF began a long-term study to investigate the reasons for removal, demography of the removed cheetahs, and possible solutions for alleviating the conflict. Conflict with farmers caused 91% of live cheetah captures and 48% of wild cheetah deaths reported. The majority of cheetah captures (53%) occurred due to a perceived threat to livestock, but in only 3% of cases was there any evidence that the cheetahs caught were indeed causing a problem. Cheetahs were often captured opportunistically rather than in direct response to stock loss. Human-caused mortality accounted for 79% of the deaths recorded, with the most common cause of death being shot on livestock or game farms in a preventative attempt to reduce losses. Data gathered from handling of trapped cheetahs have provided invaluable information on the life histories of Namibian cheetahs including social structure, reproduction and survivorship. The majority of the cheetahs removed were of prime breeding age (5 to 6 years of age), which is likely to be particularly detrimental to the population, 51% of the captured males were in a coalition, with an average male coalition size of 2.3 individuals. We found that the mean litter size at post emergence from the den was 3.2 cubs, similar to what was found in the Serengeti with a mean interbirth interval of 24 months. An average of 2 cubs per litter reach independence while females reproduce from 19 months to 12 years of age. An important point of our long-term research showed that the level of cheetah removals on farmlands dropped significantly through the study, from an average of 19 cheetahs removed annually per farmer in 1991 to just over 2 by the end of the study, indicating that local attitudes and actions are being positively influenced through long-term education and conservation awareness programmes. Cheetah behavioural study being conducted at CCF In the wild, female cheetahs are solitary unless they are raising cubs. A female cheetah typically only seeks male company when ready to breed. Captive cheetahs are often housed in unnatural social groupings. Groups of females are often housed together, or together with males or sometimes they are housed adjacent to male or other female cheetahs. This could affect both the stress levels and the oestrus (heat) cycles of captive females. Jessica MacManus (see page 13) visited CCF last year as an intern and subsequently decided to dedicate a year to studying cheetah behaviour and endocrinology. MacManus received a Fulbright scholarship for her work and will be conducting behavioural research on CCF s captive cheetahs until July MacManus is investigating questions such as: Is there a linear dominance hierarchy? Are more dominant females suppressing oestrus in less dominant females? How do the stress levels of animals compare in high and low densities? Are oestrus cycles similar? Are amicable social groups found in high and low-density enclosures? Do amicable social groups cycle synchronously? To answer these questions, daily behaviours are recorded and faecal samples are collected from two different groups of female cheetahs. The levels of cortisol and oestradiol hormones can then be monitored, without handling the cheetahs involved, by extracting coritsol from faecal samples. Levels of stress will be monitored through cortisol, and oestrus cycles through oestradiol and will then be compared to bahavioural data. This will give CCF an understanding of how social dynamics may lead to physiological changes. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 5

6 more researchnotes CONSERVANCIES STUDIED Kerstin Kristoferson, of Stockholm University in Sweden conducting her graduate thesis research, and Devan McGranahan, graduate of Grinnell College in the United States of America, were both based at CCF, while studying conservancies and the management of Namibia s natural resources. WATERHOLE COUNT HELD The Waterberg Conservancy conducted its ninth annual 24 hour waterhole counts on the 31 July to 1 August. The counts were conducted by CCF staff, and by volunteers from the district youth forums of Otjiwarongo and Khorixas, Paresis Secondary School environmental club, and Okakarara Youth Against Crime. The Daktari team once again manned the kitchen. Over 70 participants counted game at 38 waterholes on eight farms and counted over 4,000 head of wildlife. The game counts are conducted in order to determine trends within the wildlife populations, and to better understand the factors that may contribute to these changes. CAPTIVE CHEETAHS HONE HUNTING SKILLS Marianne de Jonge, a Bachelor student studying wildlife management at the Van Hall Institute in the Netherlands, conducted research at CCF on habituating certain captive animals to a free-ranging conservancy situation. Two of CCF s captive cheetahs, Rosy and Daisy, were released into CCF s 4000 hectare game fenced area, Bellebeno. In September the cats were fitted with radio-collars and a soft release was done. De Jonge set up a field camp and monitored the cheetah s location, activity, distance travelled from last sighting, and habitat type. The sisters made their first kill, a warthog, just three days after release and continued to take prey, although supplementary feeding was done. It took only six weeks for the two to exit the game fence via one of the many warthog holes. Therefore, CCF staff has placed the cheetahs back into an enclosure and is considering options for their future. ROSY AND DAISY ON A DUIKER KILL. TH E W A T E R B E R G C A R N I V O R E P R O J E C T CCF research continues on brown hyenas and leopards The Waterberg Carnivore Project Namibia was initiated in February 2004, by Andrew Stein, a PhD candidate and Fulbright scholar, in collaboration with CCF. Over the past 6 months, Stein has captured seven leopards, including a mother with her 8 month old cub, and a male weighing in at 54 kilograms. Both of these adult leopards were fitted with radiocollars and are being tracked daily to determine their home ranges along the base of the Waterberg Plateau. Four brown hyenas were also captured, two of which were subsequently recaptured. Of these captures, the first three hyenas were young individuals and the fourth was a large adult female weighing 48 kg s that was also radio-collared. Of the two young hyenas recaptured, one had gained 7 kg s in 3 months. There have also been interesting Raili Hashella, of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, studying at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, recently submitted her thesis entitled, Reliability of the Spoor Count Method for Determination of Species Density with Specific Focus on the Cheetah after spending several months aquiring data at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). This study assessed the reliability of spoor tracking methodology to estimate predator density compared with ungulate density at CCF. Such an assessment will prove useful by contributing to the understanding of the relationship between the cheetah and its prey. Also utilising CCF long-term research data on cheetahs, Ezekiel Fabiano, CCF research assistant being sponsored by CCF for a Master s programme, is also working through the University of Natal in findings regarding brown hyena diet. A den site at the base of the Waterberg has yielded remains of the typical game species such as kudu, oryx, hartebeest, duiker and steenbok, but also cooccurring carnivores including jackals, bat-eared foxes, wildcats and leopard, and the remains of an aardvark. Through preliminary diet analysis using hyena faecal samples, there seems to be a preference for kudu judging from the hairs present in nearly 60 percent of the samples. Stein will examine population estimates and information on large carnivore conflict in 2005 using hairsnares and surveys of farmers, trophy hunters, tour operators and their clients. The economics of managing and maintaining large predators on farmlands will also be assessed. CCF Master s work continues Pietermaritzburg, South Africa to conduct his Master s thesis entitled Evaluating the use of spoor tracking and mark-recapture to estimate cheetah density in North Central Namibia farmlands. This project builds on Hashella s and uses CCF s radio-tracking and tag and release data. Josephine Henghali, a CCF research assistant, will soon be submitting her Master s thesis, Patterns of biodiversity loss and conservation attitudes in Ohandwena and Oshikoto regions of Namibia to the University of Namibia. Henghali s two year study was sponsored by the African Wildlife Foundation and CCF. Mandy Schumann, a CCF research assistant, will be submitting her Master s thesis in Nature Conservation entitled Predator Conflict Resolution within Namibian Conservancies, to the Port Elizabeth Technikon s Saasveld campus later this year. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 6

7 livestock GUARDING DOGS CCF Anatolian puppies go to South Africa In August, CCF donated seven puppies to the South African National Parks (SANPARKS) to form part of a pilot project using livestock guarding dogs around the Namaqua National Park, South Africa. These puppies form part of an initiative by SANPARKS to encourage farmers using gin traps and poison around the borders of the park to try alternative livestock and predator management techniques. Indiscriminate lethal predator eradication techniques very seldom solve problems with livestock losses, instead, implementing alternative livestock management techniques can provide a lasting and more effective solution. In May, CCF s Mandy Schumann attended the Namaqua National Park s biodiversity day to address interested farmers on the use of livestock guarding dogs. Livestock guarding dogs are used around the world and have proven to be very effective in protecting livestock against many predators. The Anatolian Shepherd is one of many breeds that can be used to protect livestock. In addition, mongrels traditionally used by Namibian and South African farmers are also successful guardians. SANPARKS gave a generous donation for the puppies which will go towards supporting CCF s Namibian Livestock Guarding Dog Programme. CCF is available to visit farmers experiencing livestock losses to predators and also assists with advice on the correct choice of livestock guarding dog and the correct raising and training procedures. ABOVE: ANDRE ROSSOUW AND THE PILOT, GIEL, OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS AND MANDY SCHUMANN, CCF RESEARCH ASSISTANT, WITH TWO OF THE SEVEN PUPPIES THAT WERE FLOWN TO THE NAMAQUA NATIONAL PARK IN SOUTH AFRICA. AT LEFT: ONE OF THE PUPPIES READY FOR THE JOURNEY. TWO LITTERS OF PUPPIES BORN MICHELLE BACON, CCF GLOBAL GRADUATE STUDENT FROM OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, SAYS GOOD-BYE TO TWO OF THE 13 ANATOLIAN PUPPIES BORN AT CCF IN JULY. BACON PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN CARING FOR PUPPIES BEFORE THEY WERE DONATED TO FARMERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. A SECOND LITTER OF EIGHT PUPPIES WAS BORN IN SEPTEMBER. ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD LIVESTOCK GUARDING DOGS GO THROUGH VERY DEFINED DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES. NEW OWNERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT A CERTAIN LEVEL OF COMMITMENT, TIME AND PATIENCE IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF A LIVESTOCK GUARDING DOG. CCF BREEDS AND DONATES ABOUT 30 PUPPIES A YEAR. INTERESTED FARMERS CAN CONTACT CCF AT (067) Anatolian health survey conducted Mandy Schumann (left) and Gebhardt Nikanor (centre), of CCF, assisted by Dr. Michelle Schroeder (right), a veterinarian from Oregon in the United States of America, recently completed a full health and working assessment of almost all the Anatolian Shepherds placed by CCF in Namibia. During a total of 15 days almost 7000 kilometres were travelled from Mangetti to Gobabis and 68 Anatolians and mongrels were evaluated. Blood and faecal samples were collected and each dog was scored for physical condition. Questionnaires relating to the dogs working performance were filled in with the owners. A comprehensive report is being written and every dog owner who participated will receive a copy of their dog s evaluation as well as a general report. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 7

8 Miami University Educators Visit CCF and Namibia update:education In August, the CCF welcomed 20 educators from the United States for a oneweek Earth Expeditions environmental education course. Sponsored in cooperation with Miami University from Oxford, Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and CCF, the course focused on learnercentred education. The mission of Earth Expeditions is to build an alliance of educators with first-hand knowledge of learner-centred, communitybased learning for the benefit of ecological communities, learner achievement, and global understanding. The course included presentations by participating teachers, a trip to Etosha National Park, hands-on activities, as well as a variety of individual and group projects. Participants also conducted school visits to two primary schools in Otjiwarongo. On the final day of the course, an Education Summit was held at CCF. Teachers and administrators from Otjiwarongo attended the Summit to discuss the importance of learner-centred education and possible partnerships between Namibian and USA schools. The Earth Expeditions course is the first course of its kind at CCF. The course leaders are already planning next year s expedition. PARTICIPANTS IN MIAMI UNIVERSITY S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COURSE DURING THE EDUCATION SUMMIT. WHILE AT CCF, THE TEACHERS DEVELOPED LEARNER-CENTRED ACTIVITIES AROUND CHEETAHS FOR USE AT CCF S EDUCATION CENTRE. PARTICIPANTS (PICTURED ABOVE) BEGAN THE COURSE IN WINDHOEK AT THE MINISTRY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION S TRAINING CENTRE WHERE THEY ATTENDED A SERIES OF PRESENTATIONS ON TOPICS SUCH AS BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY AND MONITORING, CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, PROTECTED AREAS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND ANIMAL ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR. CCF hosts Second International Conservation Biology course In July, the Second International course in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management was held in Namibia under the sponsorship of the Smithsonian Institution s Wildlife Conservation and Management Training Program, Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Namibian Ministry of Higher Education and Wilderness Safaris. The course had participants from eight countries including Namibia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Cambodia, Brazil and Algeria. The Smithsonian Institution s Dr. Rudy Rudran, course coordinator, and Drs. David Wildt and Jon Ballou joined local experts Dr. Laurie Marker, Director of CCF, and Dr. Hu Berry, Namibian ecologist, along with various other local lecturers. Dr. Eduardo Duque, from Argentina, conducted field exercises in animal tracking and ecology at CCF s field research Centre in Otjiwarongo. A weekend in Etosha National Park, in coordination with the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, completed the fieldwork segment. Topics covered included vegetation analysis, animal census techniques, home range determination and protected areas management. As part of the course, Dr. Ulf Tubbesing, wildlife veterinarian based in Windhoek, and his game capture team, conducted anaesthesia and translocation of two giraffe (from CCF s Bellebeno game camp) onto the Waterberg Conservancy. The participants assisted in all aspects of the game capture and translocation. As part of CCF s commitment to train biologists in cheetah range countries, Farid Belbachir, from Algeria, and Julius Kimani, from Kenya, were part of the course. These young biologists will take with them newly acquired research skills and information to their north and east African countries. Belbachir was part of a preliminary cheetah census survey team in Algeria where further studies will be conducted in Kimani is actively involved in CCF s Kenya programme. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 8

9 CCF outreach meets thousands of learners The CCF continues to conduct outreach education programmes throughout Namibia and as well as centre-based programmes for Namibian school and youth groups. In 2004, CCF s education outreach team visited 105 schools. The team gave presentations to 19,146 students. Each student walked away with a new cheetah activity book and a better understanding of the cheetah and its fight for survival. The schools visited were located in Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Swakopmund, Otavi, Outjo, Kamanjab, Omaruru, Otjinene, Karibib, Okakarara, Otjiwarongo, Kalkfeld, Okahandja, Gobabis, Windhoek and Rehoboth. The CCF hosted 24 groups at the education campsite, LightFoot, during These groups consisted of schools and Through Ministry MOU, CCF donates hundreds of books (L-R) DAVID SAMSON, OF NIED, JOSEPHINE HENGHALI, OF CCF, LOINI KATOMA, OF MBESC, JANE KATJIVVI, DR. LAURIE MARKER AND MATTI NKEMBUA, OF CCF, WITH DONATED SCHOOL RESOURCES. community groups totaling 917 people. The groups came from Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Ondangwa, Rehoboth, Tsumeb, Okakarara, Khorixas, Oshakati, Gobabis, Otavi, Kamanjab and one international school group from Germany. Youth Groups from Rehoboth, Khorixas and Kamanjab also joined CCF at the LightFoot Campsite to assist with various activities including fence repairs and pen cleaning and to participate in the Centrebased education programmes. School groups and youth groups participated in a variety of activities that help explain the need for cheetah conservation. The groups watched the orphaned cheetahs at the Centre being exercised, watched educational videos, participated in physical CCF a partner in giving scholarship to Namibian student for USA study The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) recently partnered with the Salisbury Secondary School in Connecticut, in the Unites States of America, to sponsor a local Otjiwarongo student s studies there for six months. The CCF helped interview and search for a candidate and, early last year, Burton Julius Gaiseb, a Spar employee and former student at Paresis Secondary School in Otjiwarongo, was chosen for the scholarship. Gaiseb first learned about CCF when education officers visited his school in When the scholarship search began in 2004, Gaiseb s principal recommended him. On 23 November, Gaiseb boarded his first BURTON GAISEB airplane and began his journey to the United States. He had never been out of Namibia before. Gaiseb is now studying at Salisbury Secondary School. I never had any idea that I would have this opportunity in my life, Gaiseb said. I would not have this opportunity if it were not for CCF and the kind providers of the scholarship. I really appreciate it a lot. Although he said he misses his family and the Namibian environment, Gaiseb said he is excited to learn more about American culture, technology, environmental studies and he even hopes to see a few famous people, too. On 20 August, CCF presented the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture (MBESC) with a variety of books and resources that will be donated to Namibia s schools. The books were received by the Permanent Secretary of the MBESC, Loini Katoma, who has been a supporter of environmental education. Every school in Namibia was presented with African Critters for their library collection. The books were written and donated by Robert Haas with a special foreword from CCF s Executive Director, Dr. Laurie Marker. This is the second time Haas has donated resources to Namibian schools. In addition to this resource, upper primary and secondary schools were presented with CCF s newly updated Cheetahs: A CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 9 activities on the Predator Preyground, had discussions and went on game drives. The groups left CCF with a better understanding of their role in saving the lives of cheetahs. The CCF requires that visiting groups book in advance, provide their own transportation to the Centre and bring their own food. Although a fee is not charged to visiting education groups staying at our LightFoot campsite, they are encouraged to pay a donation of N$ 5 per learner to cover costs. The CCF donates posters, books, teacher s resource guides and learner s activity books to schools and youth groups visiting our Centre and during school presentations. The CCF invites every school and youth group to visit our Centre or arrange for a presentation by a CCF staff member at their school. Call CCF today! IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO EDUCATION FACILITIES The Cheetah Conservation Fund has a conservation biology field station, Cheetah View which accommodates students for field research projects such as international conservation biology courses. Apart from the Cheetah View farm, CCF also has a permanent tented camp site, LightFoot, for school groups. Due to the high demand, CCF has built new facilities at both Cheetah View and LightFoot Camp. These CCF facilities now sport brand new bathroom facilities with hot showers and flush toilets. CCF welcomes more students! Predator s Role in the Ecosystem Teacher s Resource Guide. Lower and upper primary schools were presented with Meet the Cheetah and A Voice for the Cheetah learner workbooks. These resources were supported by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens and designed through a partnership between CCF and the zoo. This resource donation was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CCF and the Ministry of Basic Education, Sport and Culture. The MOU also identifies future collaborations in teacher training and further resource development and distribution. The distribution of these resources will be done through the Namibian Institute for Educational Development (NIED).

10 communitynews New management book printed for farmers The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has published a new book titled Integrated Livestock and Predator Management: A Farmer s Guide. This comprehensive book tackles livestock/predator conflict by addressing livestock care and management issues, predator identification and understanding predator behaviour to assist the farmer in reducing losses to predators. The contents of this 84 page, full-colour book are based on a training course presented by CCF in collaboration with RISE to communal game guards in The CCF will host similar training courses for farmers during 2005, using the published book as course material. Predator conflict resulting from livestock loss is one of the greatest threats facing predator survival throughout much of the world today. Namibian farmers have demonstrated a willingness to adapt farming practices to accommodate the existence of predators on farmlands vs. removing all predators. Approximately 75% of Namibia s CCF staff attend farmer s meetings The CCF staff visited the Sandveld Conservancy to share information on cheetah behaviour. Over-utilisation of natural resources (e.g. devil s claw) and a reduction of endangered species (e.g. cheetah) are some of the aspects being tackled by this group. The CCF staff were requested to share specific information on the CCF Livestock Guarding Dog Programme with the members of the Otjikondo Farmers Association. Staff also visited the Namatanga Conservancy to share information with members on the Cheetah Country Beef project and cheetahs in general. The CCF staff also participated in the Ngarangombe Conervancy s conservancy information day for farmers. The CCF thanks the above farmers for sharing their valuable time and hospitality with us. wildlife and 95% of the country s cheetah share the farmlands with farmers. The survival of much of Namibia s wildlife, including the cheetah, therefore lies in the hands of these farmers. The book is being distributed to agricultural colleges, polytechnics, teachers and farmers free of charge. The book was compiled and edited by Mandy Schumann, research assistant at CCF, with the assistance of Jennifer Newlin Bell and other staff and volunteers. Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith and Johan Britz also added to the book s contents. Printing costs were sponsored by the International Cheetah Conservation Foundation in the USA. Other assistance was provided by Capital Press in Windhoek, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and the South African Development Community s (SADC) Regional Environmental Education Programme (REEP). This book is being translated into Afrikaans by Christine Stoman, and will be Each year CCF exhibits information at agricultural shows in Namibia.This year CCF attended three shows and distributed literature to various audiences. At the Otjiwarongo Conservation themed Show, CCF joined a tent full of other conservation organisations. The Grootfontein Show was well attended by farmers from all over, enabling CCF staff to make contact with them. The CCF staff attended all 9 days of the Windhoek Show. Learners sought out the stand for colour-in sheets, while farmers looked for ideas on livestock management and predator control. available soon. The Hiemstra Trust SA sponsored translation costs. Farmers interested in a copy of the book can contact Mandy Schumann at CCF: (067) CCF attends agricultural shows THE CCF WINDHOEK SHOW STAND WHERE FARMERS AND TEACHERS COULD FIND INFORMATION ON LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. AMBASSADOR KATJAVIVI VISITS CCF NAMIBIA S AMBASSADOR TO THE EUROEAN UNION (EU), PROFESSOR PETER KATJAVIVI, ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO CCF, MEETS CCF S CHEWBAAKA (AT LEFT). HIS WIFE, JANE, IS ON CCF S BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE TWO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH CCF S CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMMES FOR MANY YEARS. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTE number 21 january, 2005 page 10

11 Cheetah Country Beef eco-label to be in Europe by mid 2005 The Cheetah Country Beef project continues to move ahead at full speed. Still in the implementation stages, the eco-label is gaining popularity. Within the last few months, Cheetah Country Beef has been aired on a number of radio programmes, including BBC World which reaches millions of people world-wide. The project was also listed in a recent Time Magazine article as well as in many local Namibian publications. Cheetah Country Beef is an eco-label for Namibian beef. Interested farmers will sign an agreement with the Conservancies Association of Namibia (CANAM) saying they will not indiscriminately kill cheetahs on their farmland. In return for their efforts of implementing cheetah friendly management practices, farmers will receive a premium price per kilogram of carcass weight sold to MEATCO. The brand name Cheetah Country is being registered as an official trademark in the European Union, South Africa and Namibia. A Web site is also being developed at Bushblok fuel log in production The CCF Bushblok factory is in production! The last production glitches have been sorted out and the plant in Otjiwarongo is up and running and building up stocks ready for distribution within Namibia, South Africa and Europe. The name Bushblok is trademarked and CCF has also reserved the Web address, Soon a Web site will be created that describes the project, the production process, and provides details of regional distributors. As part of the ongoing research, designated plots on CCF s Elandsvreugde farm have been selectively harvested in order to assess the density and comparative yield of each bush species. The CCF has also commissioned a bush harvesting contractor to harvest several plots to compare and study optimum production techniques. Do any of our readers have contacts in shipping companies that sail from Namibia to UK? We are looking for a company that might be willing to share a container or subsidise the transport costs. Please contact Dr. Bruce Brewer or James Young at: (067) As it stands now, Cheetah Country Beef will be introduced to the European market in There is a possibility that consumers in Namibia may see it in restaurants and lodges by early Keep your eyes open for Cheetah Country Beef. By supporting this eco-label you are doing your part in helping the cheetah and the Namibian farmers. For additional information contact David Bell at CCF: (067) THE FACE BEHIND BUSHBLOK JAMES YOUNG HAS RETURNED TO CCF - FOR THE THIRD TIME. SINCE SELLING A GROUP OF UK COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES IN 1990, HE HAS DEDICATED HIS TIME TO CONSERVATION PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD. IN 1998, YOUNG HELPED WITH THE CCF PROGRAMME AND FACILITY PLANS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NEW CENTRE. IN 2001, HE HELPED WRITE THE BUSHBLOK BUSINESS PLAN AND OPERATING SYSTEMS GUIDELINES AS PART OF THE USAID GRANT REQUEST. THIS YEAR, YOUNG HAS BEEN HELPING WITH THE MARKETING AND SALES OF BUSHBLOK. Eco-tourism guests and visitors to CCF increase in numbers Eco-tourism at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has really picked up in the past few months. A total of 49 pre-booked eco-tour groups (400 people total) visited CCF in These groups consisted of families, photographers, journalists and individual travellers. A total of 8 pre-booked zoo/ conservation eco-tour groups (94 people total) visited CCF in 2004 and included the Cincinnati Zoo, People s Trust of Endangered Species, a group from various zoos in the United States of America, Endangered Encounters, St. Louis Zoo, Earth Expeditions, Philadelphia Zoo and members of CCF s Northern California chapter. On top of the special groups, CCF has seen over 200 day visitors come to the facility since May. Day visitors to CCF can expect to see non-releasable cheetahs and will also have the opportunity to go through the hands-on Museum and Education Centre. Once finished, visitors can eat their own picnic lunch on the veranda with a view of the Waterberg and shop for souvenirs in CCF s gift shop. The CCF also provides special, prebooked activities. Visitors can watch non-releasable cheetahs sprint after a lure. They can also drive through and photograph non-releasable cheetahs in CCF s 64 hectare monitoring enclosure. Guests can also count game in CCF s Little Serengeti field while seeing various vegetation study plots. Guests can also be introduced to CCF and its ambassador cheetah, Chewbaaka, by Dr. Laurie Marker. Visiting CCF is a unique experience for guests. They are able to see what a professional research station does on a daily basis. CCF is proud to share its work with interested visitors. The CCF is open to day visitors from 9am-5pm daily (closed on 25 December). The entrance fee is free to Namibians (although a donation is encouraged). International visitors pay a N$60 entrance fee. If you would like more details or to book a special activity please contact: Nuevas-ideas@mweb.com.na, or Tel: (061) CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 11

12 ccfeditorials Cheetahs in Chicken Cages? Come on Namibians, we can do better than this! by BONNIE SCHUMANN Despite the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) notifying the public in the press and on an individual basis on the new policy guidelines for holding large carnivores in captivity, members of the public continue to blatantly ignore these guidelines. The result is that CCF and other NGOs in Namibia continue to receive carnivores that have been captured for all the wrong reasons and then held in sub-optimum and often appalling conditions. These are the fortunate animals in that they get help. Many others sit in chicken cages, either in the searing summer heat or in the rain with inadequate shelter, water or food, in addition to being harassed by domestic dogs and curious people. Carnivores continue to be captured for two reasons; one is for tourism. In the case of cheetahs, Namibia is the cheetah capital of the world. This does not mean that tourists come to this country to see cheetahs in chicken cages being tossed a bowl of mieliepap. Ideally tourists should take their chances at seeing a cheetah in the wild. Failing this, animals should only be seen in MET-approved and registered facilities that focus on the education value of these animals. How else can we justify keeping an animal used to a 1500km 2 home range in 100m 2? The second reason for capturing carnivores, particularly applicable to cheetahs, is that individuals want them as pets. The CCF receives calls on a regular basis asking for a baby cheetah. These individuals will persist in their search until someone on a farm somewhere separates an unfortunate cub from its family and captures it for them. Although cheetahs get extremely tame, the practice of capturing a cub to keep as a pet, when in most cases it will wind up at an NGO when it starts to chase the house cat, livestock and possibly injure someone on the farm, is unacceptable to say the least (not to mention illegal). In many instances these unfortunate cubs fail to tame and are rejected as pets and confined to a small cage in the back yard, that is assuming they do not die due to ignorance regarding the correct raising protocol. Unbalanced diets result in damaged bones, solitary confinement and being deprived of natural social interactions with members of their own kind leads to deviant behaviour - also leading to rejection as a pet. It really is time people took a more mature approach to the concept of keeping wild animals as pets. To have a cheetah around to cuddle and show off to friends is simply not a good enough reason to remove any animal from the wild. New and vastly improved guidelines for holding large carnivores were formulated by the Large Carnivore Management Association (LCMAN) and incorporated by MET into their policy applicable to individuals keeping carnivores in captivity. These guidelines demonstrate Namibia s willingness to lead the way in setting a high standard of excellence in the care and keeping of large carnivores in captivity. The responsibility rests with every Namibian to ensure these guidelines are followed, not just because we have to, but because we as Namibians are proud of our wildlife and only prepared to show it off under the most optimum and humane conditions. The Plight of the Cheetah by JOCK ORFORD HOLDING CHEETAHS IN CAGES SUCH AS THIS IS BOTH UNETHICAL AND ILLEGAL. MET POLICY ON HOLDING LARGE CARNIVORES THE NEW MET GUIDELINES WERE NOT DEVELOPED ON A WHIM, BUT WERE PROMPTED BY THE LONG LIST OF COMPLAINTS FROM SHOCKED VISITORS TO THIS COUNTRY EXPOSED TO THE DISMAL STANDARDS MAINTAINED BY SOME CARNIVORE OWNERS. THESE GUIDELINES WERE DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO THE NUMEROUS INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING IN SOME CASES HUMAN DEATHS RESULTING FROM THE CAVALIER APPROACH TO HOLDING AND SHOWING LARGE CARNIVORES IN CAPTIVITY. THE NEW MINIMUM SIZE FOR HOLDING LARGE CARNIVORES IS ONE HECTARE PER LARGE CARNIVORE. AN ANNUAL VETERINARY INSPECTION INCLUDING VACCINATIONS MUST BE CARRIED OUT AND HOLDING PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO RENEWAL ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. SAFETY ASPECTS FOR THE ANIMALS AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE WORKING WITH AND VIEWING THEM ARE ALSO TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. CONTACT YOUR NEAREST MET OFFICE FOR A COPY OF THE COMPLETE GUIDELINES. The conflict with and conservation of the cheetah is a major issue on Namibian farms today, the last stronghold of the world s cheetah. I think it is valuable to look back at the origins of these issues. In 1861 Charles Anderson arrived in Namibia and walked to Maun in Botswana. Anderson moved through a land richly diverse and at a time when no threat seemed to exist for the cheetah. Soon came government surveyors, chopping up land into small blocks and giving them strange names. Then, to these blocks, came the farmers with guns, fences, tins of poison, ploughs, windmills, cattle, sheep and goats. The lion, the elephant, wild dog and many other species soon vanished. The rich, diverse environment favoured farming and by 1960 two million cattle occurred on Namibian farms, generating excellent income. Alien species replaced browsing animals and a progressive change occurred. Grasses disappeared and many farms were covered in so-called invasive bush, nature s desperate effort to heal the ailing ground. The food base for the cattle and all other animals collapsed. The cheetah s natural food source disappeared too and stock predation was inevitable on the damaged farms. Let us imagine a farm questionnaire with questions like: Do you have mainly perennial grass? Do you have many edible shrubs? Do you have numerous tree, bird and animals species and populations? Do cheetah occur on your farm? If the answer is mainly no how can you farm with livestock (which are exotic species) where the indigenous species are in decline? That sounds harsh, but many farmers do protect and husband the environment and their farms remain productive. Sadly, others, with their damaged farms, blame invasive bush and cheetah predating on their stock as problems, but these are the results of poor management and are not the cause of the problems. Cattle farmers have seen a 63 % decline in carrying capacity in 40 years. Farmers need to promote a diverse ecology on the land to increase the carrying capacity of their farms or the decline in cattle numbers will continue. If we are to promote the well-being of the cheetah we must see cheetah as part of our ecosystem. If the environment is damaged, just as the cattle have declined, so will the cheetah numbers fall. Records of all extinctions on earth have shown that large, aggressive carnivores go extinct in a shorter space of time relative to most other organisms. Are we, the most aggressive of all carnivores, not, in fact, hastening our own demise? Let the land go back to the land Anderson walked on and only in such an environment will the cheetah go to extinction with dignity and in its own time, as have many millions of species of life on earth and not by being pushed by man destroying its habitat. CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 12

13 ccfstaff & STUDENT PROFILES terencelisher italyawaseb jessicamacmanus Terence Lisher started working for CCF part time as an office assistant in May before joining the CCF crew as a permanent staff member in August. Lisher is now a cheetah keeper assisting with the care and feeding of CCF s non-releasable captive cheetahs. Lisher is also assisting with an array of research projects including ongoing behavioural studies and scent station studies. Lisher comes from Otjiwarongo where he grew up sharing his home with a host of pets. He studied at Otjiwarongo Secondary High School before coming to CCF. In May, the Cheetah conservation Fund (CCF) welcomed Italy Awaseb as the new Education Assistant. Awaseb joined the CCF education team and conducts programmes for school groups who come to the CCF centre and stay at our tented camp. Awaseb also assists in guiding CCF s day visitors. (Guests are welcome to visit the CCF centre which is open from 9 am to 5 pm, daily.) Born in Outjo, Awaseb matriculated at Petrus Ganeb Senior Secondary School in Prior to joining the CCF education team, Awaseb worked for the Namibian Police force and Save The Rhino Trust. Jessica MacManus is a Fulbright scholar studying the effects of density on stress levels, social interactions, and the oestrus cycle of cheetahs as part of her Master s thesis in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology through the University of Massachusetts. MacManus said she fell in love with cheetahs during a 3 rd grade project on animals that live in the rainforest. She quickly learned that cheetahs were, in fact, not rainforest inhabitants. However, she was allowed to complete the project anyway thus starting a life-long passion. MacManus first came to CCF in 2003 as a three month intern. obedrukoro GLOBAL GRADUATES INTERN AT CCF GLOBAL GRADUATES, THROUGH THE OREGON SCHOOLS SYSTEM, INTERN FOR THREE MONTHS AT CCF AND GAIN UNIVERSITY CREDIT. Obed Rukoro, student at CCF, recently completed a six-month internship as part of the practical requirements for the Diploma in Nature Conservation at the Polytechnic of Namibia. Rukoro completed his secondary education at Okakarara Senior Secondary School where he pursued an active interest in environmental conservation. During his stay at CCF, Rukoro completed a quantitative study of selected habitat and wildlife components looking at vegetation utilisation around waterholes and establishing game densities in a game fenced area. Rukoro also assisted in helping raise a litter of Anatolian Shepherd Livestock Guarding Dog puppies (pictured above). LAURA GAYTON (FAR LEFT) AND BRADFORD BAKER (AT LEFT) ARE TWO GLOBAL GRADUATE STUDENTS WHO FINISHED THEIR INTERNSHIPS AT CCF IN DECEMBER. GAYTON ASSISTED WITH THE ANATOLIAN LIVESTOCK GUARDING DOG PROGRAMME AND BAKER ASSISTED WITH CCF S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND ALSO HELPED IMPLIMENT A MORE AGGRESSIVE RECYCLING PROGRAMME AT THE CCF CENTRE. goodbye GEBHARDT NIKANOR Gebhardt Nikanor, CCF Education Officer, is leaving CCF in January to travel abroad for a year. Nikanor has been at CCF since 2001 and has been a key staff member in the education department. He coordinated and helped direct CCF outreach and centre-based programmes and has worked with thousands of learners country wide. He will be missed by learners, teachers and CCF staff! CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 13

14 BY mary wykstra CCF Kenya programme director I have been approved by the Kenyan Ministry of Education to extend cheetah studies in Kenya for an additional 3 years. Thanks to the affiliation and collaboration of work with the Kenya Wildlife Service our Kenya team has collected a significant amount of data in the last 3 years. Cosmas Wambua, CCF Research Assistant, and a variety of students and volunteers have assisted in the data collection, analysis and networking. Lumumba Mutiso is a farmer who lost goats to cheetah in His connections in the Kiu community in the Machakos Wildlife Forum were a great benefit to Mary and Cosmas in Lumumba s primary income has been as a farmer for the last several years so he ccfworldwide ccf KENYA Cheetah Conservation Fund Kenya team grows (L-R) THE KENYA CHEETAH TEAM LUMUMBA MUTISO, MARY WYKSTRA AND COSMAS WAMBUA. truly understands the issues facing a small scale farmer in this area. He has been assisting CCF Kenya in locating the cheetahs who pass through this highly subdivided area and will continue to be our voice in the community. Welcome to the team Lumumba! In a Partnership with East African Wildlife Society, the CCF Kenya project, in an ongoing collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, will be using the services of Wallace Isaboke and Milkah Kahiu. Data searches, field surveys and interviews will be combined for estimating cheetah numbers and areas of highest density to establish a list of priority areas and needs for ensuring the survival of cheetahs in Kenya. Local residents Cheryle Robinson, Meera Shah and Amanda Perret have been a huge help in developing and promoting education activities in Kenya. Additional volunteers Susanne Garrison, Leah Nelson (and her mother, Dottie), Hussein Abdullah, Sarah Percell, Mike McCartney and Shivani Bahalla, in addition to Cheryle, Amanda and Lumumba, made it possible for the Cheetah Expressions art and creative writing contest to be a success. Wildlife artist and longtime CCF friend tragically killed in Kenya The CCF has lost a dear friend and supporter in a tragic accident in Kenya. Simon Combes was an inspiration in setting up the Kenya CCF project and he will be missed dearly. Simon, his wife (Kat) and son (Guy) have been close friends to Mary Wykstra, the CCF Kenya Programme Coordinator. Simon loved nature and expressed that love in his artwork. Simon and Kat lived on the Delamere Soysambu Ranch where the CCF Kenya operations have been based since December The CCF is currently establishing a memorial fund in Simon s name to support cheetah conservation in Botswana. For more details on the fund and how to contribute, see CCF s Web site Our Jwanege Research Camp has been very busy monitoring radiocollared cats, and carrying out a spoor survey to estimate density and attempting capture of any new cats in the reserve. We were recently donated a microlight to locate our radio-collared cheetahs and Anne Marie has learned to fly. The model is named the Cheetah and funds were generously donated by the Howard Buffet Foundation. We recently hired a community cheetah conservation BOTSWANA - by rebecca klein development officer, Mmusi Tutwane, who has an ideal background as a guide, ranger and educator for the Wildlife Department, Conservation International and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. We have been visiting communities surrounding Jwaneng to assess the level of cheetah conflict and gather cheetah sightings to be used to estimate numbers. In June we went to the TuliBlock which borders Zimbabwe and South Africa, in Eastern Botswana. This is a very important area and will soon hopefully be gazetted as a transfrontier park. In September, Ghanzi in the West was visited. This is an area of commercial farming interests, both cattle and game. We will set up a small research tented camp here in January. Contact us at: Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Private Bag 0457, Gaborone, Botswana, Tel: , info@cheetahbotswana.com, CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 14

15 Barbara & Michael Crosier Boras Djupark BP Watson Cheetah Outreach Christian Ritberger Cincinatti Zoo Columbus Zoo Darkmouth Medical School Dr Betsy Fox Endangered Encounters Eros Girls School Erundu Combined School Estate Late TJ Metzlar Fota Wildlife Park Fridtjof Uth Friends of Conservation Garret F. Meyer Grootfontein School James Massey thankyou The CCF thanks the following people, companies & institutions for their support Jennifer Pund Jenny Hoenicke Joel Hinkhouse JP Human KGS Ronnenberg School Germany Kombat School Lady Holmes M Miswesser Martina Stranikova Mr de Klerk Mr von Teichman Mrs Campbell Otjikondo Primary School Philadelphia Zoo Pierre-Marie Beranger Rebesco Frederico Richard Schmidt Sylvia & James Aldrich The CCF thanks the following sponsors of the 2004 Reflections gala dinner celebration of speed and Music African Curiotique & Souvenirs Air Namibia Amani Lodge Barden International BEKA Lighting Blue Crush Sports Shop Bush Pillow Guest Lodge Bushmade Namibia Bushman Art Gallery CCF Staff and volunteers CCF Board Charlie Cheetah Charlie Girl Cheetah Outreach Club Motors (BMW) Cymot Francois De Wet Desert Express Die Galerie Distell Namibia Dunlop Dusternbrook Farm Earthwatch Epako Game Lodge Extravaganza Models Frans Indongo Lodge Frank Fredericks Gamsberg Macmillan Publishers Gathemann s Restaurant Geckos Gourmet Inn & Restaurant Hans Rack Harriets Boutique Helena Brandt Herrle & Herma Hertz Rent a Car Ideal Creations Ikhoba Textiles Farm Project Inbound Namibia Jeanette van der Merwe Frames Jenny s Place Joe s Beerhouse John Meinert Printers Justine Khomas Youth Choir Koos Van Ellinckhuijzen Leder Chic Marko Spares Martin Harvey Michelle McClean Mola Mola Safaris Mud Hut Trading Nakara Furier Namibian media Namibian rugby team NamibRand Nature Reserve Naua Naua Guest Lodge Okorusu Fluorospar Omaue Namibia Oriental & Persian Carpets Oryx Impex Otji Lighting Otjibamba Lodge Otjiwarongo Arms & Ammo Paul van Schalkwyk PG Glass Namibia Piccolo Designs Pupkewitz Robert Haas Robyn Nel Rosanna Hansen The Green Trust The Nature Conservancy Vera Holme WP Gossow WWF Sweden Lewis & Debra Schaffer Philip Witman Veterinary Association of Namibia Howard G. Buffett James W. Leslie Jeanne E. Tweten Marci Rubin Nancy Par V.M. Summer Roberts Victoria H. Leslie W.E. Adam Roberts William E. Roberts Safari Court Hotel Safariland Holtz Safewear Namibia Sam s Giardino Hotel Amy Schoeman Seelenbinder Furs Southern Cross Services Springer Chocolates Stefan Ludik Streethouse Clothing Stuttafords Super Trade Susan Mitchinson Suzie Greenberg Swakopmund Hotel The Lighthouse The Sand Dragon Time Out Camping Tony Figuiera Hendrik Vrey Weylandt s Warehouse Wilderness Safaris Windhoek Country Club Wynand and Claudia Du Plessis Yebo Couture A special thanks to Caltex for their kind donation to CCF a SINCERE THANKS to CCF volunteers MAY 2004 to DECEMBER 2004 Paula Antila Melissa Ashley Michelle Bacon Bradford Baker Marie Bastin Hella Baur Frowin Becker Charles Biber Linda Bieber Jordyn Boesch David Boscagila James Brumm Angela Chesney Martha Cole Philip Cole Anna Cooke Lucinda Devenish Jen Driggers Annette Forester Laura Gayton Ron Gray Robert Hall Rosanna Hansen Per Jacobsson Edward Jenkins Andrew Jirat- Wasiutynski Marianne de Jonge Robyn Kimber Ronit Kobrinski Kerstin Kristoferson Susan Lener Sara Macomber Julia McCabe Heidi Moeller Julene Newlin Kevin Nilon Diane Quint Guliana Rovedo Bradley Rubottom Aussie James Scobel D. Vic Shiroky Erich Simon Allison Skidmore Kelsey Skidmore Leisel Stohr Georgina Sturt Nancy Tichenor Hanne-Elise Toorman Yuko Tsuchida- Brumm Laura Tutin Anje Van der Nalld Judith Walls David Zuckermann SUPPORT CCF To join the Fund in its efforts, just mark the category of support and fill in your name and address on the form below. Please tick the amount donated and circle the currency. CIRCLE ONE: N$ / US $ / / DM PARTICIPATING 25 DONOR 50 CONTRIBUTOR 100 SUPPORTER 250 PATRON CONSERVATOR BENEFACTOR OTHER Name: Mailing address: Mail this form and your cheque payable to Cheetah Conservation Fund and send to the CCF address nearest you: PO Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia PO Box , Cincinnati, OH , USA PO Box 151 Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2XW Donors who wish to make direct deposits to CCF s Namibian account may do so at: Commercial Bank of Namibia, Bulow Street Branch, Bulow Street, PO Box 1 Windhoek, Swift Number CBON NA NX, Acct. Number CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 15

16 CCF - AN INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION ORGANISATION NAMIBIAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith (Chairperson) Charles Bodenstein Walter Böttger Jane Katjavivi Mary Kruger Dr. Laurie Marker Dr. Jock Orford Tangenyi Erkana Dr. Reiner Hassel Mike Hill NAMIBIAN ADVISORS Richter Erasmus Paulas Haipare Immanuel Iithete Harry Schneider-Waterberg UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES Andrew Mitchell (Chairperson) Alan Lester Nick Lindsay David Spellman Peter Stewart USA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Annie Graham (Chairperson) Vance Martin Robert Haas Christine Hemrick Catheryn Hilker Gregg Hudson Charlie Knowles Gary Lee John Lukas Dr. Laurie Marker Dr. Stephen O Brien USA TRUSTEES Ralph Bushey Carl Hilker Dr. Bill Miller Pat Miller Susan Babson Kenneth Adelman INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD Dr. Karl Ammann Dr. Hu Berry Trygve Cooper Dr. Ray Coppinger Dr. Sarah Durant Dr. Susie Ellis Dr. Richard Estes Jack Grisham Dr. Charles Hocutt Dr. Eugene Joubert John Lukas Dr. David MacDonald Dr. Laurie Marker Sean McKeown Professor David Meltzer Dr. Gus Mills Dr. Linda Munson Dr. Sanjayan Muttulingam Dr. Stephen O Brien Dr. Ian Player Dr. David Wildt DR. LAURIE MARKER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CCF IS AN INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION NOT FOR GAIN - REGISTRATION NUMBER 21/2002/341 HIS EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT OF NAMIBIA, DR. SAM NUJOMA - INTERNATIONAL PATRON NEWSLETTER EDITORS -LAURIE MARKER, JEN NEWLIN BELL & BONNIE SCHUMANN NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS - CCF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS To add your name to CCF s mailing list, or to contact CCF, post letters to: PO Box 1755, Otjiwarongo, Namibia Tel: (067) , Fax: (067) , cheeta@iafrica.com.na FROM CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND, PO BOX 1755, OTJIWARONGO, NAMIBIA CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND NEWSLETTER number 21 january, 2005 page 16