Release of Cheetahs to Kuno National Park: Developments and Obstacles

The Environment Ministry has declared aspirations to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh by late October. This staged release adheres to the recommendations of a Standing Committee and signifies a significant achievement in India's cheetah reintroduction initiative.

Distribution Plan

The government will initially introduce two cheetahs, Vayu and Agni, into expansive unfenced regions to observe their acclimatization. In accordance with their answer, further cheetahs will be incrementally released.

Project Synopsis

The initiative commenced with the relocation of 20 cheetahs to Kuno National Park—eight from Namibia in September 2022 and twelve from South Africa in February 2023. Notwithstanding the hurdles encountered, including the demise of eight adult cheetahs, the effort has achieved some success with the birth of 17 cubs, 12 of which have survived.

Present Condition

Kuno presently accommodates 24 cheetahs, comprising cubs. No individuals are currently roaming freely in the wild, two years into Project Cheetah.

Prospective Objectives

The Environment Ministry is endeavoring to augment the cheetah population beyond Kuno. Negotiations are under progress with Rajasthan and other districts in Madhya Pradesh. Efforts are underway to introduce cheetahs to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Global Collaboration

Discussions are already in progress with South Africa and Kenya to import more cheetahs to India. The ministry is concentrating on increasing prey populations and eliminating any risks to the cheetahs.

This ambitious initiative signifies India's endeavors to reestablish cheetahs in their ancestral environments, harmonizing conservation objectives with the complexities of wildlife management and adaptability.

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