Exploring Children's Perceptions of Cheetahs through Storytelling: Implications for Cheetah Conservation

Abstract

Namibia's cheetah population has predominantly been threatened by human conflict related to livestock farming and habitat loss. Cheetahs have been indiscriminately persecuted as a mortal threat to livestock, as well as suffered from human-caused land use change. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Otjiwarongo, Namibia conducts cheetah research and provides educational programs for school-aged children throughout the country, both on-site and in schools. CCF aims to increase awareness and understanding of the plight of the cheetah to encourage conservation. Through drawn, written, and verbal storytelling, I explored the perceptions school-aged children held for cheetahs. Analysis revealed three themes, suggesting children perceived cheetahs to be important in Namibia based on their aesthetic qualities, their role as a tourist attraction, and their role as a predator.

Notes

CCF's resident cheetahs have all been rescued from dire circumstances, or have been brought to ccf for rehabilitation. ccf attempts to reintroduce these cats to the wild where possible.