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Laurie L. Marker, Ph.D. FI ‘06

Laurie Marker is determined to unite the world in an effort to save the cheetah.  For over three decades she has been working to increase their numbers in the wild through research, education and building partnerships.

Dr. Marker is recognized around the world as one of the leading experts on cheetahs, both in the wild and in captivity. She has conducted ground-breaking research on the re-introduction of captive-born cheetahs into the wild, helped identify their limited genetic makeup, and contributed vital information on cheetah health, reproduction, mortality, evolution, and genetics used by those caring for cheetahs both in captivity and in the wild.

It became clear to Laurie Marker from the first trip, however, that it would take more than research to help the cheetah, for conflicts between the animal and livestock farmers were resulting in hundreds of cheetahs being killed annually. As chair of the Conservancy Association of Namibia, she used education and collaboration with local farmers and landowners to form conservancies to provide thousands of contiguous acres of land where cheetahs can roam safely. She learned that with improved livestock and wildlife management techniques, cheetah, people and livestock can peacefully co-exist. 

In 1990, Dr. Marker founded the Cheetah Conservation Foundation and established its headquarters in Namibia in 1991. She has led her conservation organization from humble beginnings in a tiny farmhouse to an unparalleled model for predator conservation. In addition to continuing research on the cheetah and its ecosystem, the foundation works internationally with scientists, government officials, businesses, and communities to raise awareness, develop policies and initiate business practices linking the economies of cheetah range country landowners to international consumers and businesses. This successful model now is spreading to other areas.

In addition to many international awards for her work in cheetah conservation, in 2000 Laurie L. Marker was recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Heroes for the Planet.

To learn more about Dr. Laurie Marker and the Cheetah Conservation Fund.