CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a significant development under Project Cheetah, the Cheetah Project Steering Committee has approved the planned relocation of cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, both located in Madhya Pradesh. This move aims to advance India's ambitious efforts to restore the population of the African cheetah and establish a sustainable meta-population across the Kuno–Gandhi Sagar landscape.
Background Of Cheetah Reintroduction Initiative
Project Cheetah was launched in 2022 with the introduction of 8 cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa into Kuno National Park. The reintroduction of cheetahs marked a historic moment for India, as the species had been declared extinct in the country in 1952. However, the initiative has faced multiple hurdles, including the unfortunate deaths of 8 adult cheetahs and 5 cubs, prompting a reevaluation of management strategies.
To ensure the long-term success of the project, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) formed the Cheetah Project Steering Committee in May 2023. The committee is tasked with overseeing, guiding, and monitoring all aspects of cheetah conservation and habitat management in India.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as a key site in India's cheetah conservation roadmap. The sanctuary, situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh near the border with Rajasthan, is envisioned as a complementary habitat to Kuno National Park. Together, they will support a planned meta-population of 60–70 cheetahs, distributed across a broader landscape to ensure genetic diversity and species resilience.
Forest officials have noted that Gandhi Sagar already supports a healthy prey base, including species such as:
Chinkara (Indian gazelle)
Chousingha (four-horned antelope)
Nilgai (blue bull)
Chital (spotted deer)
The availability of these prey species is a critical factor in ensuring the survival and adaptability of relocated cheetahs.
Current Status At Kuno National Park
As of now, 26 cheetahs reside in Kuno:
17 are in the wild
9 remain in large acclimatization enclosures
Authorities have yet to decide whether the cheetahs to be moved to Gandhi Sagar will be selected from the free-ranging population or those in captivity. The decision will be made based on behavioral assessments and the animals’ health conditions.
Cheetah Biology And Protection Status
Breeding Cycle - Cheetahs do not have a fixed breeding season, though mating activity often peaks during the monsoon. Females become sexually mature at 20–24 months, while males mature slightly later at 24–30 months.
Reproduction - The gestation period lasts approximately 90–95 days, and litters typically consist of 3 to 5 cubs.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, low genetic diversity, and human-wildlife conflict.
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule II, offering a moderate level of protection within India.
CITES: Included in Appendix I, which bans international trade of the species except under exceptional circumstances.
Looking Ahead
The relocation plan marks a pivotal step in creating a viable network of cheetah habitats across central India. Authorities and conservationists hope that with proper monitoring, habitat enrichment, and community engagement, the cheetah can once again thrive on Indian soil.
As preparations for the translocation begin, the success of the cheetah reintroduction program will now depend on balancing wildlife conservation goals with ecological sustainability and local stakeholder participation.
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