Guard dogs the answer to saving cheetahs

Namibia has the highest density of Cheetahs in Africa, however they are still seriously endangered.  Apart from hunting and the destruction of their natural environment another threat comes from farmers protecting their livestock.  A revolutionary 'out of the box' scheme has been to introduce dogs to guard herds of goats.

The dogs are introduced to the herd at a young age and form tight bonds.  When a predator approaches they are very protective and the herd will gather around them.  Anatolian Kangal dogs are said to fight to the death.  Since their introduction in 1994 the cheetah population has increased by a third.