HARGEISA (KAAB TV) – In a significant breakthrough against the illegal wildlife trade, Somaliland authorities have successfully rescued 11 cheetah cubs (commonly referred to as Haramcad in Somali) from traffickers operating along the country’s coastal waters.
This latest rescue operation highlights the government’s continued commitment to combating poaching and protecting its unique biodiversity.
According to a statement from the Somaliland Coast Guard, the animals were intercepted aboard a small vessel attempting to transport them illegally. The boat was reportedly carrying two Somali nationals and three Yemeni citizens, believed to be part of a transnational wildlife smuggling network.
The operation took place in the waters off the Gulf of Aden, a known route for wildlife trafficking, especially targeting the lucrative markets in the Arabian Peninsula.
Authorities suspect that the traffickers were en route to smuggle the cheetah cubs into Gulf countries, where the demand for exotic pets remains alarmingly high. The traffickers are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify broader networks involved in the illicit trade.
Following the rescue, the cheetah cubs were immediately transported to the Somaliland Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) facility in Hargeisa. There, the animals are receiving urgent veterinary care, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation support.
Dr. Laurie Marker, the founder and Executive Director of CCF, reported that the cubs were in critical condition upon arrival, suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and stress due to poor handling and neglect during transport.
“This is yet another tragic reminder of the consequences of illegal wildlife trafficking,” Dr. Marker said. “These cubs were ripped away from the wild at a very young age, and many do not survive the journey. We are doing everything we can to stabilize them and give them a second chance.”
This is not an isolated incident. In August 2024, Somaliland police arrested two suspected traffickers and rescued another 10 cheetah cubs from similar circumstances.
These repeated operations underline the scale of the crisis facing wild cheetahs, whose populations are dwindling due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade.
Over the past few years, CCF has cared for more than 200 confiscated cheetahs in Somaliland alone, making it one of the central organizations in the Horn of Africa fighting for cheetah survival.
The group has partnered closely with the Somaliland government, providing expertise, facilities, and advocacy to combat illegal trafficking and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife protection.
Cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with an estimated less than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
The illegal pet trade is a major driver of population decline, especially in East Africa, where cubs are frequently stolen from the wild and smuggled across borders.
The Somaliland Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward wildlife crime. Officials are calling for stronger international cooperation, increased enforcement at borders, and public awareness campaigns to deter future trafficking attempts.
This latest operation is a powerful example of what can be achieved through coordinated action between local authorities, conservation organizations, and international partners. It also serves as a stark reminder that urgent and sustained efforts are needed to ensure the survival of Africa’s most iconic species.