Established by Dr. Elena Chelysheva, PhD, the mission of the Mara-Meru Cheetah Project is to promote the conservation of cheetahs through scientific research, community involvement and education.
Kenya
Over the past two decades, global cheetah numbers have declined by 30% primarily due to increased human activities which negatively influence their survival. The global wild cheetah population is estimated to be as low as 7,000 animals with the Kenyan population (around 1500 individuals) considered to be one of the strongholds for the species in Africa.
The project aims to establish the major threats currently faced by cheetahs in the Masai Mara. These have included predator conflict, human conflict, and disease. The level of tourism impact on cheetah behaviour and welfare is also continuously assessed. By analysing these various threats the team suggests ways in which to best protect this endangered species.
The project researchers often conduct workshops on cheetah biology and conservation at our Mara camps for the benefit of our guides and guests. These presentations train people in cheetah identification techniques in order to encourage them to participate in cheetah conservation.
Dr Elena enjoys sharing her expertise on the cheetahs in the area with our guests through talks and/or by accompanying guests on cheetah-focused game drives. The minimum donation requirement is USD300 (for up to 10 guests) or USD500 (for 10+ guests) for a presentation in camp only. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in a cheetah-focused game drive and a rate can be discussed depending on the group size. If two vehicles are required Dr Elena will aim to spend an equal amount of time between these. This must be booked in advance through your booking agent.
*Please note that there is no guarantee that cheetahs will be found during the drive.
Dr. Elena at work in the field
In camp presentation by Dr. Elena
Cheetah focused game drive with Dr. Elena
Guide training - Cheetah identification
You too can get involved in cheetah research by sending in some of your photos of walking, standing or sitting cheetahs (profiles of both sides are preferable) to mara-cheetah@mail.ru together with your name as well as the date and location of the sighting, so that they can tell you what is known about the cheetah you observed. Photographs of mother cheetahs with their cubs particularly aid in building the Mara cheetah pedigree as they help to reveal parental relationships between individuals, estimate cheetah lifespans, record personal reproductive history and assess survival rate of cubs.
