Last September marked a significant milestone for conservation efforts in India as Project Cheetah reached its final phase. After a long journey from Namibia to India, eight radio-collared cheetahs found their new home in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. This project aims to reintroduce the once extinct cheetah species into India’s grasslands, 70 years after being driven to extinction due to extensive hunting. However, the project has faced setbacks, with the recent deaths of nine cheetahs causing concerns and drawing attention to potential issues.
Why does India want to reintroduce cheetahs?
Centuries ago, Asiatic cheetahs thrived alongside lions, tigers, and leopards in the Indian subcontinent, until they became targets of hunting by colonial rulers and princely figures. Declared extinct in India in 1952, the country has since pondered ways to reintroduce this majestic predator to its ecosystems. After considering offers from Iran and Kenya, the Indian government proposed the introduction of African cheetahs in 2009. However, conservation experts raised concerns, and the Supreme Court temporarily halted the project in 2012. The court’s decision was reversed in 2020, allowing the import of cheetahs on a limited experimental basis. The project plans to bring a dozen cheetahs annually from African countries over the next five years to establish a population of approximately 40 cheetahs in India, with an allocated budget of nearly $11 million.
The challenges faced by Project Cheetah:
The recent deaths of nine cheetahs, including three cubs, have raised concerns among conservationists. The animals have been recaptured, and a government-appointed committee of wildlife experts will determine when they can be released back into the wild. While it is common for relocation projects to experience challenges, wildlife experts have highlighted potential issues in the timely monitoring and veterinary intervention for the Indian cheetahs. Communication gaps and a lack of coordination with international experts, as alleged in a letter to India’s Supreme Court, have also been raised as potential contributing factors.
The way forward:
Despite the setbacks, those involved in Project Cheetah remain optimistic about its potential for success. The survival rate of the cheetahs stands at 50%, and the birth of cubs at Kuno National Park brings hope for the future of cheetahs in India. The project holds significance not only for restoring India’s ecological heritage but also for showcasing the country’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity restoration, a matter of national pride. Project Cheetah has the potential to serve as a model for future wildlife management and rewilding initiatives, highlighting the significance of proactive conservation efforts and adaptive approaches in our rapidly changing world.
Market Capital Research 