Project Cheetah
Description
Project Cheetah
Introduction to Project Cheetah
Launched to reintroduce African
cheetahs into India, Project Cheetah has completed two years since its
inception on September 17, 2024. The project's dual objectives are to establish
a stable breeding population and restore open natural ecosystems, primarily in
Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. However, this ambitious conservation effort
has faced a mix of successes and challenges.
The Vision Behind Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah was conceived to
bring cheetahs back to India, where they were declared extinct in 1952. The
initial batch of eight cheetahs from Namibia was introduced in September
2022, followed by a second batch of twelve cheetahs from South Africa in
February 2023. Kuno National Park was identified as the prime location due to
its potential to support a viable cheetah population.
Key Achievements in Year One
During its first year, the project
witnessed some significant successes, including:
- Cheetah Survival Rate: About 50% of the introduced cheetahs survived the
initial phase, adjusting to their new environment.
- Breeding Success:
Four cubs were born in India for the first time in over 70 years, marking
a milestone for cheetah conservation.
- Local Community Impact: Project Cheetah created employment opportunities
for locals and increased land values near Kuno National Park, all while
avoiding human-cheetah conflicts.
However, the project also faced
difficulties, with around 40% of the adult cheetahs succumbing to various
health and environmental issues.
Developments in Year Two
In its second year, Project
Cheetah continued to face obstacles alongside further successes:
- Population Update:
By September 2024, out of the original 20 cheetahs, only 12 adults
and 12 cubs remained. Eight adult cheetahs had died, mainly due to
health complications during acclimatization.
- Cub Mortality:
Despite 17 cubs being born, five did not survive, raising concerns about
the project's long-term success.
- Environmental Setbacks: A major concern has been the declining prey base,
especially chital, which decreased from 23.43 per sq. km in 2021 to
17.5 in 2024. This reduction in prey availability poses significant
challenges for both cheetahs and leopards in Kuno National Park.
Challenges Faced by Project Cheetah
Several critical issues have
hindered the progress of Project Cheetah:
- Health Complications:
Many cheetahs suffered from tick infestations and infections, exacerbated
by their thick coats, which are not well-suited to Indian summers.
- Habitat and Prey Management: The initial assessments of Kuno National Park's
habitat and prey density were outdated, leading to concerns about the
park’s suitability for sustaining a cheetah population.
- Lack of Coordination:
Issues with communication and transparency among stakeholders have led to
criticism, particularly regarding the project’s overall governance.
Future Directions for Project
Cheetah
Looking ahead, Project Cheetah
plans several key actions to improve its outcomes:
- New Cheetah Translocations: Additional cheetahs will be relocated to the Gandhi
Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and a conservation breeding center
will be established in Gujarat's Banni Grasslands.
- Prey Augmentation:
Immediate steps are being taken to increase the prey base within Kuno
National Park, ensuring the survival of both cheetahs and leopards.
- Enhanced Monitoring:
Strengthening monitoring and research efforts is crucial to understanding
the health and dynamics of introduced and native wildlife populations.
Conclusion
As Project Cheetah enters its
third year, its future remains uncertain. Despite notable progress in breeding
and community engagement, significant challenges related to health,
habitat management, and governance persist. The success of this project will
depend on the effective implementation of management strategies, habitat
restoration, and sustained collaboration among all involved stakeholders.
