Annie was fortunate in attending the Global Cheetah Conservation Action Plan Workshop, held in Johannesburg in August 2003. One of the most interesting topics of discussion involved the status of the cheetah. It is currently ranked as a CITES I animal (most protected). From all the presentations made by the various countries participating, the following population numbers have been compiled:
- South Africa: 500-600 (200 occur in the Kruger National Park; 150 in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park; 50 in the Pilanesberg Reserve and the rest in satellite areas;
- Namibia: 2500-4000 (95% occur on farmlands);
- Zimbabwe: 1800 (300 in National Parks and 1500 on communal lands);
- Kenya: 1000;
- Botswana: no estimates available;
- Tanzania: 950 (these numbers were collected during the census of 1975)
The world population is estimated at between 10 000 and 15 000.
Some important factors that came from the conference is the lack of accurate census techniques, and how the need for proper baseline data involving the wild population is dearly needed.
A large amount of health issues were identified and discussed, and Herpes was identified in the North American population. Gastritis and Renal diseases seem to be common health risks, and the helicobacter bacteria are still associated with the occurrence of gastritis.
With regards to the management and conservation of unprotected areas, it was pointed out that small areas need to be carefully managed, that conflict exists between farmers and predators, and that the protection of the habitat is necessary where private farmers take over the land of pastoral farmers.
Annie has been asked to serve as the education co-ordinator on the steering committee for the global interest group with regards to education and communication that has been established. We wish both Annie and the interest group all the best with this very important part of cheetah conservation.
