Somaliland Wildlife Sanctuary

[ZodiaK]

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/12/29/uae-action-against-wildlife-trafficking-stifles-demand-for-cheetah-cubs-as-exotic-pets/

Tighter border controls and the prosecution of those bringing wildlife into the region illegally has resulted in waning demand for cheetah cubs, according to the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Somaliland, East Africa.

“The increased enforcement by Somaliland in the Gulf [of Aden] and along known smuggling routes, plus the increased community awareness for poaching as a crime has led to a major decline in cub trafficking,” said Susan Yannetti, the CCF’s Middle East ambassador.

“We still have 67 cheetahs in Hargeisa; people are still taking them as a means of thwarting predation ... others think selling cubs is a good idea, so our work is far from done.

“But we do believe the heyday of the cub trade has passed.

“People all over the world are becoming aware that taking cheetahs from the wild to be pets will lead to their extinction, and that most people don't want to lose the species.”

Training and educational workshops have been held under the Legal Intelligence for Cheetah Illicit Trade project to increase Somaliland’s capacity to stop the illegal trade in cheetahs and other wildlife.

The action is part of a wider effort to protect the species by cutting supply, as well as demand.

The government of Somaliland has donated 800 hectares of land to the conservation fund's centre in Hargeisa to expand and cater for more cheetahs in a natural habitat.

It should be completed by the end of next year.

The centre also has three safe houses where cheetahs are taken once they are intercepted before entering rehabilitation and recovery programmes.

 

[ZodiaK]

https://www.somalilandcurrent.com/cheetah-conservation-fund-starts-construction-of-rescue-and-conservation-facility-in-somaliland/

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), together with its partner, the Somaliland Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, late last year broke ground and laid the cornerstone for a new facility, the CCF Somaliland Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre last month.

The event marked the official launch of construction, which will take place in several phases unfolding over this year.

When complete, the centre will provide a permanent home for cubs rescued from the illegal pet trade or human-wildlife conflict situations by the ministry and placed in CCF’s care. The new facility will feature vast outdoor enclosures that provide a naturalistic environment for the animals, plus the Centre will have a fully-equipped veterinary clinic and professionally trained staff that will live on-site to provide ongoing, world-class care.

Dr Marker, CCF’s Founder and Executive Director said when disrupting illegal wildlife trade in cheetah cubs for the pet trade, one of the problems conservationists must address is how to manage confiscated animals.

“The centre has been designed to meet the needs of this unique population. It will be the first facility of its kind in the Horn of Africa, the region where most cheetah confiscation events occur. The Ministry in Somaliland has been CCF’s best partner in addressing the illegal trade in cheetahs, and the development of the Centre is a testament to the progress we are making,” Dr Marker added.

The centre is based on CCF’s world-renowned centre in Otjiwarongo and is intended to become a must-see destination in Somaliland.

The new centre is set on more than 800 hectares at Geed-Deeble, a forest reserve about an hour’s drive from Hargeisa. Once complete, in addition to the cheetah sanctuary and clinic, the centre will include education and vocational training facilities that will benefit students, teachers, pastoralists, wildlife caregivers, eco-rangers, and local centre staff.

The centre will be open for public tours, with the purpose of educating Somaliland people and international visitors about the country’s ecosystems and indigenous wildlife.

The CCF and Somaliland’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change have signed a 30-year deal for CCF to develop the CRCC at Geed-Deeble. CCF is building the facility, and for three decades, will operate the Centre while training Somaliland people to work there.

At the end of 30 years, CCF will hand over the facility to the Somaliland government for its people to operate into perpetuity.

 

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In partnership with the Somaliland government, the new Cheetah Rescue and Conservation Centre will serve as a rehabilitation site for sick and injured orphaned cheetah cubs confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC).

The CRCC site is set on more than 800 hectares. In addition to the clinic and care facilities, the center will include education and vocational training facilities that will benefit students, teachers, pastoralists, wildlife caregivers, eco-rangers, and local staff. It will also be open for public tours, with the purpose of educating local and international visitors about Somaliland’s ecosystems and indigenous wildlife. It is the first facility of its kind in the Horn of Africa.

In 2021 we worked closely with the Hargeisa Water Department to identify a stable water source. We drilled for water in November and were delighted to find a great bore hole which meant we could proceed with building. Construction began shortly after our groundbreaking ceremony in December. The event marked the official launch of the project’s first phase, beginning with the staff housing units. To date, the staff housing, meal house facilities, animal care and veterinary clinic, and manager’s quarters are all under construction. A 2.8-kilometer water line is being installed to bring fresh water to the facility. Six 10,000-liter concrete water storage tanks are being constructed to hold enough water for the needs of the project. In addition, a solar system for off grid electricity is being developed for the entire Centre.

We are now anxiously awaiting the delivery of the steel barn being shipped from South Africa to sit on a newly poured foundation. Fencing components and supplies are also coming from South Africa via seven shipping containers. We still need to install 11 kilometers of perimeter fence and 22 kilometers of animal enclosure, but that should start by the end of April.

 

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