One of the most iconic animals of Namibia is the world’s fastest land mammal, the beautiful Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus.
It is a large cat in the Felidae family, that occurs naturally in northern, southern and east Africa, but used to have a much larger distribution. It prefers arid habitats like the classic African savannah, but also inhabits dry forests and scrubland.
Its yellowish coat is covered with about 2,000 solid black spots, in a pattern unique to every individual animal. Its body is slender with a small rounded head, black tear-like streaks on the face, long thin legs and a long spotted tail. It reaches 70–90 cm (28–35 in) at the shoulder. Its lightly built, slender form is in sharp contrast with the robust build of the other big cats, because everything about the Cheetah is about speed!
Cheetahs can run 110 kilometres (68 miles) per hour, yet they can’t run away from habitat loss, a reduced gene pool, and conflicts with humans and their livestock. Namibia is home to the world’s largest remaining cheetah population (25% of the total global population), with 90% of its cheetahs living on livestock farmlands where conflict with humans is the greatest threat. These speedy cats are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with far less than 10 000 individual animals left in the wild.
Conservation is ingrained in Namibia’s laws and in its people’s behaviour, and this safari gives you the chance to spot some of Namibia’s most characteristic wildlife (including the Cheetah) and witness the country’s innovative conservation measures first hand.
There are many types of conservation categories including wildlife conservation, soil conservation and habitat conservation, amongst others. Wildlife conservation in Namibia is one of our most important priorities, as we love the flora and fauna that our ecosystem can support. If you go anywhere in Namibia, you’re likely to find that some part of the experience involves wildlife conservation in one way shape or form as 42% of the land is dedicated to wildlife conservation initiatives under private or public ownership.
On this safari we will visit:
• Na’ankuse, the world-famous conservation organisation conserving the land, culture and wildlife of Namibia through community participation, education and scientific research,
• Etosha National Park, one of the greatest wildlife reserves on the planet,
• Namib Naukluft National Park (including iconic Sossusvlei),
• Rugged but beautiful Damaraland, with its desert adapted wildlife, and
• REST (Rare & Endangered Species Trust) outside Outjo, doing incredible conservation work on many animals and birds, including pangolins!
Our specialist conservation safaris here at Nature Travel Namibia focus on the conservation and observation of some fantastic animal species, giving you a behind-the-scenes look into the work of conservationists as well as seeing these animals in their natural habitat.
For more information on this amazing safari contact the Nature Travel Namibia team at info@naturetravelnamibia.com or visit our website and browse to Namibia Conservation Safari