How Anatolian Shepherds Are Being Used in Namibia to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict—and Save Endangered Cheetahs from Farmer Retaliation
In the arid farmlands of Namibia, a quiet revolution is saving one of Africa’s most endangered big cats—not with fences or laws, but with Anatolian Shepherds. Facing devastating livestock losses to cheetahs, farmers once shot the sleek predators on sight. Today, thanks to a pioneering conservation program, Anatolian Shepherds are guarding flocks—and cheetahs are surviving.
Launched in the 1990s by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), the program places Anatolian Shepherd puppies with Namibian farmers as early as 8 weeks old. Raised alongside goats and sheep, the dogs imprint on the flock as their own. Their mere presence deters cheetahs—no killing required.
Results That Speak Louder Than Words
- 80–100% reduction in livestock losses on participating farms
- Cheetah killings dropped by over 90% in project zones
- Farmers now call the dogs “my insurance policy”—and cheetahs, “my neighbors”
Dr. Laurie Marker, CCF founder, explains:
“The Anatolian doesn’t chase cheetahs away—he prevents the encounter altogether. He’s calm, heat-tolerant, and works independently. In Namibia’s climate, no other breed could do this.”
A Global Model
The program has inspired similar efforts in Iran (for Asiatic cheetahs) and Mongolia (for snow leopards). Each dog is named, tracked, and celebrated—not as a tool, but as a bridge between human survival and wildlife conservation.
For a breed born on the Anatolian plateau, there’s no higher purpose than protecting life—on both sides of the fence.