Laurie MARKER

I am a conservation scientist, the Founder and Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on cheetahs. Over a 45-year period, I have initiated and collaborated in pioneering research on cheetahs from identifying the species’ lack of genetic diversity, to baseline studies and on-going research into cheetah biology, disease, reproduction, genetics, ecology, rangeland management, and conservation strategies to mitigate conflict for this threatened species and reduce their decline throughout their range in Africa and the last populations in Iran. Based in Namibia since 1991, CCF is a world-class research institution that includes a registered veterinary clinic and genetics laboratory. I have published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 4 books on the cheetah, including the lead editor and co-author on 25 of the 44 Chapters, in the volume Cheetahs: Biology and Conservation of the Elsevier book series, Biodiversity of the World, Conservation from Genes to Landscapes. In 2018 I set up a rescue Centre in Somaliland to care for cheetah cubs confiscated from the Illegal Wildlife Pet Trade, and am working closely with governments in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East to stop the trade and bring education and awareness to the region about cheetahs and other wildlife. In addition, CCF is adapting community-base  programs similar to what we have developed in Namibia.