Welcome to the Washington, DC Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund!
Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) have been around for at least four million years, much longer than any big cat. Unfortunately, the number of cheetahs dramatically decreased from 100,000 - at end of the 19th century - to approximately 10,000 today. Loss of habitat, conflict with humans, as well as its own loss of genetic variation, are the main threats facing the cheetah today. There is also a high cub mortality rate due to predation by carnivores, like lions and hyenas, that are in competition with the cheetah.
Despite all these problems, the cheetah can be saved from total extinction. In 1990, Dr. Laurie Marker founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) based in Namibia, Africa. Its mission is to work together with all stakeholders in the African countries, as well as India and Iran, that maintain a wild cheetah population. If we can provide a sustainable habitat and a rich prey-base for cheetahs, the cheetah's race will be one of survival, not extinction. Through CCF’s scientific research, education and conservation programs we are making a difference. But our work is far from over. We need to expand our programs to ensure that cheetahs and humans can live together for many years to come.
The DC Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund is committed to helping Dr. Marker and her team to save this critically endangered species. Through public outreach and fundraising, the DC Chapter continues to support the important mission of CCF. The Chapter’s dedicated and loyal members are passionate about wildlife conservation and share a love for this magnificent animal.
Support CCF by using our secure Donation page.
Check our Events page regularly and consider supporting our efforts.
Join the DC Chapter or learn more about CCF's activities by filling out the Contact Us page.
For more information on the endangered cheetah, see our Links page.