How to Save Endangered Cheetahs

Once found on five continents, cheetahs now face extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, loss of genetic variation and conflicts with humans. The fastest land animal, cheetahs need large land areas in order to survive, but this area is diminishing. Namibia currently hosts the largest numbers of cheetahs.

Instructions

1. Sponsor a dog in the Cheetah Conservation Fund's livestock guarding program. The organization trains and provides livestock guard dogs to farmers. The dogs protect the livestock from cheetahs and other animals, helping to reduce conflicts between humans and cheetahs.

2. Support efforts to stop cheetah poaching and hunting. Avoid buying cheetah fur or any other item made from cheetahs. Buying such items gives hunters further reason to continue killing cheetahs for their skins.

3. Donate money to conservation organizations or adopt a cheetah through one of their programs. Money may go toward buying land, doing important research, and lobbying governments for protective laws for cheetahs. Even small amounts of money can make a difference.

4. Go on an eco-tour in areas where there are cheetahs or where the program includes looking for cheetahs. Tourism dollars can help convince individuals, governments and businesses to protect cheetahs because they make money.

5. Volunteer with organizations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund. You may help perform habitat research, care for animals at refuges, educate others around cheetahs or fulfill administrative duties. Volunteers travel to Namibia or Kenya in order to work with the organization. You may also be able to find volunteer positions with other organizations near your home.

6. Participate in fundraisers that benefit cheetah conservation. For example, chapters of the Cheetah Conservation Fund sponsor a "Run for the Cheetah" in various cities in the United States. You could also organize your own fundraiser.

Resources

• Learn how to help save endangered cheetahs.