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The temperature difference between Namibia and India may have significant implications for the survival of cheetah cubs. Namibia, located in southwestern Africa, experiences hot and dry conditions, while India has a diverse climate with variations between different regions. These differences in temperature and environmental conditions can contribute to the death of cheetah cubs, as seen in the recent case in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Extreme heat wave
In the case of the cheetah cubs in Kuno National Park, the extreme heat wave in the region played a major role in their deaths. Temperatures soared during this period, reaching as high as 47 ° Celsius (113 ° Fahrenheit).
The cubs, which were born in captivity, were already vulnerable and inexperienced to deal with such extreme conditions. The searing temperatures led to dehydration, severely affecting his health and ultimately resulting in his death.
Cheetah cubs, like other young animals, are more susceptible to extreme temperatures and have a lower heat tolerance compared to adults. Their thermoregulation systems are not fully developed, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature effectively. The high temperatures experienced during the heat wave overwhelmed their ability to cope. This leads to severe dehydration and consequent health complications.
Seasonal differences in climate
Variations in temperature between the two countries indicate that summer in India occurs in June, while in Namibia it is winter during the same period. This disparity in seasons could potentially affect the adaptive ability of cheetahs. They might be more accustomed to warmer conditions during the Indian winter months. The difference in climate could be one of the contributing factors to the cheetahs' struggle for survival in Kuno.
Regarding the cub deaths, it was reported that one cub died due to weakness. This particular cub was smaller, weaker, and more lethargic compared to the others from birth. Also, he consumed less milk than the other cubs.
The remaining cubs were found to be underweight and severely dehydrated, indicating a lack of water. This raises questions about the cheetahs' ability to withstand the heat in Kuno National Park. This suggests that extreme temperatures and dehydration could have played a role in their deaths.
Average monthly temperatures in Namibia, South Africa, and India
| Month | Namibia (°C) | South Africa (°C) | India (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30-35° | 32-35° | 26.2° |
| February | 30-38° | 19° | 23° |
| March | 27 ° | 22.7-27° | 24-33° |
| April | 23-30° | 22.7-26° | 26-34° |
| May | 19.8-28° | 20.4-29° | 36.5-40° |
| June | 17.4-20-24° | 18.1-30° | 30-42.2° |
| July | 20-25° | 18.0-30° | 30-33° |
| August | 15-25° | 15-33° | 25-31° |
| September | 22.3-30° | 20-32° | 24-31° |
| October | 24.6-30° | 21-28° | 20-32° |
| November | 30-32° | 23.4-27° | 23-30° |
| December | 30-36° | 19-29° | 21-30° |
Conclusion
The introduction of cheetahs to India was greeted with great enthusiasm as it was seen as a significant step towards conserving the country's abandoned grasslands. PM Narendra Modi himself expressed optimism about the arrival of cheetahs and their potential to enhance conservation efforts. However, the unfortunate reality is that of the 20 adult cheetahs that were imported into India, three have already died: two females and one male.
The global population of adult cheetahs is alarmingly low, with fewer than 7,000 of them in the wild. Furthermore, its current distribution covers less than 9% of its original range. One of the main threats facing cheetahs is habitat loss. And, the habitat loss can be attributed to two main factors: increasing human populations and climate change.
Keep Reading
- MP Govt concerned about space, asks for cheetah relocation
- Why India’s deal for Cheetahs with Pretoria dithered?
- What is the cost of India’s Cheetah Project?
- Why biologists Jhala excluded from Cheetah project task force?
- How cheetah named ‘Shasha’ brought from Namibia died in Kuno National Park?
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