Fabulous video that illustrates the real benefits of intriguing conservation measures!
Won’t say a word, just watch it! Enjoy!
Broadcaster: NationalGeographic
Problematic
Rapid decline of big cats in Africa. Only 50 000 leopards left, 20 000 lions and 12 000 cheetahs.
Conflict between humans (farmers) and cats (i.e. especially cheetahs).
Farmers kill the felines/poison them for stocking their cattle.
Solution
Anatolian sheep dogs.
Cheetah Conservation Fund Initiative.
About Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
Anatolian shepherd dog (GNU Free Documentation License).
Ancestors bred in Turkey to guard sheep and fight wolves.
6000 years of instincts. In other words, they know exactly what to do when they have to.
Can weigh up to 70 kg: they have a very powerful neck and shoulders, and can run as fast as 75 km/h.
Extremely independent.
Raised with livestock as puppies (with very little human contact).
Stay with the herd 24/7.
Results
The dogs protect the flocks without hurting the cheetahs.
Cheetah mortality is dropping (and so is livestock losses to other predators…).
Farmers stop using bait to poison the animals.
Farmer Advantages
Dog training and vet care is FREE.
By taking good care of their dogs, farmers know the sheep dogs will look after the livestock.
Testimonials
“We’ve had zero losses where we use the dogs,” Mr. Knipe says. “They’re amazing protectors. Since we’ve gotten the dogs, everyone here has become cheetah-friendly.”
Peter Knipe – South Africa.
Anatolian shepherd dogs reduce livestock losses by 95 to 100 per cent.
This entry was posted on Friday, February 19th, 2010 at 8:13 pm and is filed under Wildlife & Conservation.
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According to National Geographic, Africa Adventure Consultants made it at number 2 in the magazine's 2009 rating of "Best Adventure Travel Companies", while the Africa Adventure Company is in position 9. In my opinion nevertheless, both are extremely competent. Visit the following link for more details: http://www.africafreak.com/the-worlds-best-safari-companies/
So glad to see this posting since I work at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Yes, these dogs, and the Kangals (another breed used for the same purpose) are amazing animals and have been our allies in educating farmers. We can live with predators as long as we follow sustainable farming practices. Please visit our web site to learn more! We need support from everyone to continue with this and other very successful programs that restore habitat and provide jobs and tools for people to learn to live with wildlife.
Going on a Safari trip in Sept!!!! Africa Adventure Consultants or Africa Adventure Company, Who do I choose, any suggestions????
Hi Tamer,
According to National Geographic, Africa Adventure Consultants made it at number 2 in the magazine's 2009 rating of "Best Adventure Travel Companies", while the Africa Adventure Company is in position 9. In my opinion nevertheless, both are extremely competent. Visit the following link for more details: http://www.africafreak.com/the-worlds-best-safari-companies/
Hope this helps, keep well!
Michael
So glad to see this posting since I work at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. Yes, these dogs, and the Kangals (another breed used for the same purpose) are amazing animals and have been our allies in educating farmers. We can live with predators as long as we follow sustainable farming practices. Please visit our web site to learn more! We need support from everyone to continue with this and other very successful programs that restore habitat and provide jobs and tools for people to learn to live with wildlife.
Patricia,
Thanks a million for your contribution, I really appreciate it!
I will contact you shortly so we can discuss the issue further…
Keep well,
Michael
[...] Habitat loss, fragmentation and human conflict (mainly [...]