Context:
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India and Botswana announced a bilateral pact to translocate eight cheetahs from Botswana to India as part of Project Cheetah.
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The announcement was made during the state visit of Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko.
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The initiative advances India’s efforts to restore an extinct apex predator and strengthens India–Africa conservation cooperation.
Key Highlights:
Translocation Details
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Eight cheetahs to be translocated from Botswana to India.
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Five cheetahs will first be released into a quarantine facility at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
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A symbolic handover marks Botswana’s formal participation in Project Cheetah.
Project Cheetah: Objectives & Rationale
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Aims to re-establish cheetahs in India, where the species was declared extinct in 1952.
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Seeks to:
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Restore grassland–savanna ecosystems
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Enhance biodiversity
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Improve ecological balance by reintroducing a top predator
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Conservation Protocols
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Quarantine to prevent disease transmission and ensure acclimatisation.
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Phased release following health checks and behavioural assessments.
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Emphasis on:
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Habitat management
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Anti-poaching measures
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Community participation around release sites
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International Collaboration
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Follows a similar translocation from Namibia, indicating a multi-country African partnership.
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Demonstrates conservation diplomacy linking environmental goals with foreign relations.
Challenges & Success Factors
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Long-term success depends on:
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Availability and connectivity of suitable habitats
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Prey base augmentation
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Continuous monitoring using technology
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Local community buy-in to reduce human–wildlife conflict
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Key Concepts Involved:
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Translocation: Planned movement of animals to establish or bolster populations.
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Quarantine: Temporary isolation to prevent disease spread during wildlife movement.
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Wildlife Conservation: Protection and restoration of species and habitats through science-based management.
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Rewilding: Reintroduction of species to restore natural ecological processes.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
GS 3 – Environment & Ecology
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Species reintroduction and biodiversity conservation
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Habitat restoration and ecosystem services
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Wildlife management challenges
GS 2 – International Relations
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Environmental cooperation as a tool of diplomacy
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India–Africa partnerships beyond trade and security
Prelims Focus:
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Project Cheetah objectives and partners
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Role of quarantine in wildlife translocation
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Countries involved in cheetah reintroduction to India
Mains Enrichment:
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Evaluate the ecological and socio-economic implications of large carnivore reintroduction in India.
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Discuss how conservation diplomacy can advance both biodiversity goals and bilateral relations.