Cheetahs are often thought of as large dangerous predators, and it's true, they are tough cats and should always be treated as dangerous cats. However, in the animal kingdom they are not often shown such respect. The small felines are built for speed rather than fighting, and often have their kills stolen by lions, leopards, and hyenas. Even a fiesty pack of jackals may chase a cheetah away from prey. For the spotted cats, getting hurt or killed just isn't worth it.

Cheetahs are also suffering like most other animals from habitat loss, primarily due to agriculture. Because so much of the land cheetahs historically roamed has been urbanized or turned into farmland, their populations are struggling even more. Over 77% of cheetahs are found on non-protected land, usually farther away from larger predators that might steal their dinner. In order to survive, many cheetahs kill livestock. It is easy prey and far too tempting to pass up. Farmers and ranchers often see cheetahs as a threat to their livelihood and can legally shoot the cats in Namibia if they are a threat to livestock. This had led to an even more significant drop in cheetah populations.

In an effort to reduce both cheetah and livestock mortality, CCF has started a livestock guardian dog program. Anatolian shepherds are a large breed originally from Turkey. They are tough, hearty dogs that are much larger and stronger than most cheetahs. By having the dogs around, cheetahs stay away from livestock but farmers don't have to kill the cheetahs. It is an elegant solution to everyone's problem and has resulted in a 90-100% reduction of livestock take by cheetahs and other predators in almost every application.

CCF currently has 16 adult LSGDs and 15 puppies! There is a waiting list to get a CCF dog due to the high success of the program. As an intern, we are responsible for LSGD cleaning, feeding, and care. Anyone who knows me understands this is less of a "responsibility" for me and more like play time. While they require a lot of work and are working dogs rather than pets, they are all sweet love bugs as well and I try to give them all extra love when I have time.

The LSGD program is one of my favorite and most effective solutions to human-wildlife conflict... proof that if we respect animals and understand that just like us they want to live, grow, and flourish, we can all live together in peace. My only thought is that it is too bad this program is in rural Namibia and not the US. Imagine all the rescue dogs we could save by turning them into happy goat protectors!