In Namibia, I contributed to research on the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), the world’s fastest land animal and one of Africa’s most iconic species. Namibia is home to the largest remaining population of cheetahs, with an estimated 2,500 individuals—approximately a third of the entire global population. Africa’s cheetah population is scattered across fragmented habitats and has declined sharply due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal wildlife trade, leaving fewer than 7,000 individuals across the continent.

Namibia’s vast landscapes offer critical refuge for cheetahs, but their survival is still challenged by competition with larger predators, as well as the expansion of farmland into their natural habitats. Conflicts between cheetahs and farmers often lead to retaliatory killings when cheetahs prey on livestock. 

To address these threats, conservation organisations such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and Africat Foundation are leading efforts to protect cheetahs and support cohabitation strategies in Namibia. These organizations work with local communities to implement predator-friendly livestock management practices, offer educational outreach, and provide economic incentives for cheetah conservation.

Behavioural research is vital for effective cheetah conservation. By studying cheetah movement, hunting strategies, and interactions with other species, researchers gain insights that help guide habitat management, rewilding efforts, and conflict mitigation strategies. 

In Namibia, tracking cheetah behaviour within different landscapes provides data on their range needs and stress responses, informing policies that balance conservation and agricultural needs. Research not only supports the survival of cheetahs in Namibia but also contributes to maintaining the delicate balance of the broader African ecosystem where cheetahs play a critical role as top predators.