Context:
- India strengthened its cheetah reintroduction programme with the release of nine cheetahs from Botswana into Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) under Project Cheetah, raising the total cheetah population in India to 48.
Key Highlights:
Cheetah Translocation
- Nine cheetahs (six females and three males) were released into Kuno National Park.
• They were officially donated by Botswana during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit in November.
Population Status
- With the new release, India now has 48 cheetahs under Project Cheetah.
• 45 cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park, while three adults reside at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Previous Translocations
- September 2022 – First batch of cheetahs imported from Namibia.
• February 2023 – Second batch brought from South Africa.
Transportation Process
- Cheetahs were airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Gwalior Air Base.
• They were later transported by helicopters to Kuno National Park.
Quarantine and Monitoring
- Newly introduced cheetahs will undergo one-month quarantine in special enclosures.
• Each animal has been fitted with tracking collars.
• Dedicated teams will monitor health and behaviour twice daily.
Challenges in the Project
- Since the launch of Project Cheetah, 21 cheetahs have died due to disease, stress, or environmental factors.
Key Concepts
- Translocation
- Movement of animals from one habitat to another for conservation or species restoration.
- Quarantine
- Temporary isolation of animals to prevent disease transmission.
- Project Cheetah
- India’s first intercontinental wildlife translocation project aimed at reintroducing cheetahs after their extinction in India.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
- Fastest land animal, capable of speeds up to 110 km/h.
• Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. - Extinction of Cheetahs in India
- Declared extinct in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss.
- Kuno National Park
- Located in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Initially developed as a potential site for Asiatic lion relocation. - Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in Madhya Pradesh near the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
- International Cheetah Populations
- Largest populations found in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance of Project Cheetah
- Restores lost ecological roles of apex predators.
• Enhances grassland ecosystem conservation. - Biodiversity Conservation
- Supports India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Promotes ecosystem restoration and wildlife tourism. - Challenges
- Adaptation difficulties in new habitats.
• Human–wildlife conflict risks.
• Genetic diversity concerns. - Scientific and Ethical Debate
- Some conservationists argue resources should focus on native endangered species.
• Others highlight ecosystem restoration benefits. - Importance of Grassland Ecosystems
- Grasslands are among the most neglected ecosystems in India.
• Critical for species like blackbuck, great Indian bustard, and wolves.
Way Forward
- Improve habitat management and prey base in release sites.
• Expand cheetah habitats to additional reserves.
• Strengthen scientific monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (species conservation, wildlife reintroduction)
• Prelims – National Parks, IUCN status, conservation projects