Ten cheetah cubs rescued from Somaliland wildlife trade

Nairobi, Aug 21 (AP) – In a significant operation, ten cheetah cubs held in captivity since birth and intended for international wildlife trade have been rescued in Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia. The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), now providing care for the cubs, reported on Wednesday that despite severe undernourishment and injuries from months of captivity, the animals are in stable condition.

Laurie Marker, founder of the CCF, shared that the plight of the cubs was dire, with an 8-month-old unable to walk after being restrained for half a year. Additionally, a 5-month-old cub was found extremely malnourished, described as "a bag of bones," suffering from sores and infested with botfly maggots. Marker highlighted the delicate process of reintroducing food to the cubs, akin to treating starvation in humans, due to the risk of re-feeding syndrome.

Authorities arrested two individuals in possession of the cubs during an operation on August 14 in Somaliland's northern Sallahley district. Local officials are urging the public to report any suspicious wildlife trade activities.

Environment Ministry Director Abdinasir Hussein Said announced to the press that these cheetah cubs have joined 109 others rescued in similar actions. Somaliland remains a critical transit point in the illegal wildlife trade, with numerous cheetahs and leopards being trafficked from the Horn of Africa to Gulf nations via the Gulf of Aden. Possession of wildlife is illegal in Somaliland, leading to frequent crackdowns by police on suspected traffickers.

"We call upon the people of Somaliland to protect wildlife in their natural habitats, as it serves their best interests," Hussein emphasized. He noted the distress experienced by mother cheetahs due to separation from their young, which can cause severe stress and even death among the adults. The continued emphasis is on preserving wildlife in situ.

Conservationists throughout the Horn of Africa have previously raised alarms regarding the growing demand for exotic pets in Gulf countries. This demand fuels illegal trade, adversely impacting ecosystems in African nations within the Horn. (AP) NPK NPK

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