Both leopards and cheetahs have been categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, as the issues that affect their survival prevail, their futures may soon be in further doubt. The most significant of these issues is the problem of human-wildlife conflict, a threat that is increasingly problematic in developing countries such as Namibia. Agriculture in these countries is difficult enough due to lack of investment and climate change, and so the predation of valuable livestock by big cats is hardly taken lightly and can lead to the frequent persecution of predators by farmers. Despite the vast expanses of natural parks in Namibia, huge populations of these carnivores persist outside of protected areas which means that they are both harder to research and ultimately protect - a great concern for conservationists.

However, the work undertaken throughout this project seeks to rectify these worsening issues. By tracking and monitoring species, valuable data can be collected regarding leopards and cheetahs (for example their distribution and their diets). This information can be passed on to farmers to help educate them about predator tolerance or, in extreme circumstances, can be used to influence policy decisions regarding translocations of ‘trouble animals’. The sanctuary itself is not intended to be a permanent accommodation solution, merely a facility to research further as well as rehabilitate its residents ready for reintroduction. This ensures that the wildlife stays wild as much as possible and that individual animals can be rescued and cared for appropriately.