Research overview: the Anatolian shepherd program for cheetah conservation

This overview synthesises the long-running program, pioneered by the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, that places Anatolian shepherd and Kangal guarding dogs with farmers to reduce cheetah and leopard depredation and curb retaliatory killing. It reviews evidence that placed dogs substantially lower livestock losses, increase farmer tolerance, and reduce lethal removal of cheetahs, alongside documented challenges of dog health, behaviour, and program logistics. The literature frames the initiative as a flagship example of pairing a practical husbandry tool with attitude change and conservation outreach. The survey treats the program as one of the most cited demonstrations that guardian dogs can shift farmer behaviour and benefit an endangered cat across working farmland.