In this Episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Laurie Marker, the founder and Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Founded in Namibia in 1990, CCF has become the leading authority in cheetah conservation globally, with projects across Somaliland, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa and Botswana. Beyond Africa, CCF also has supported the conservation of the last remaining Asiatic cheetahs in Iran. Meanwhile, the CCF has assisted the Indian government and the Wildlife Trust of India with the reintroduction of cheetahs into Kuno National Park.
Listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, the cheetah faces a plethora of threats, ranging from human-wildlife conflict, the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and a lack of genetic diversity. Dr. Marker and I discuss the measures CCF has taken to tackle these threats, which include cheetah rescue and rehabilitation, cheetah genetics research, alternative livelihood programs and livestock protection projects. Dr. Marker also elaborates in detail about CCF’s role in the reintroduction of cheetahs to India. Tune in to a highly informative episode!
Meet the Host
Anish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlife
Think Wildlife Foundation: https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/
Meet the Guests
Dr. Laurie Marker: https://cheetah.org/about/who-we-are/dr-laurie-marker/
Recommended Wildlife Conservation Books
Wildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9Zh
Indian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCL
At the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN
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