CHEETHA RELOCATION: ENVIRONMNENT

CHEETHA RELOCATION: ENVIRONMNENT

NEWS: Watch: Gandhi Sagar: Cheetahs find a new home in India

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Two cheetahs from Kuno National Park are being relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary on April 20, 2025, marking the creation of India’s second cheetah habitat under Project Cheetah. This move aims to diversify habitat risk, support species revival, and strengthen India’s grassland conservation strategy.

Context of the Event

  • On April 20, 2025, two cheetahs from Kuno National Park are scheduled to be relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
  • This marks a significant step in expanding habitat options under Project Cheetah, which aims to reintroduce cheetahs into India.

Geographical Location

  • Kuno National Park: Located in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, it is the primary site for cheetah reintroduction.
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread across Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, also in Madhya Pradesh.
  • A 64 sq.km. predator-proof enclosure has been prepared at Gandhi Sagar to receive and monitor the cheetahs.

Background: Cheetahs in India

  • Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952, primarily due to:
  • Overhunting by royals and colonial officials
  • Severe habitat destruction
  • Decline in natural prey base
  • The Asiatic cheetah subspecies (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) was native to India, once found across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and the Deccan Plateau.
  • India is now using the African cheetah subspecies (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) for reintroduction.

Project Cheetah: Aims and Implementation

  • Launched in 2022, with the first batch of cheetahs from Namibia.
  • Objective: Re-establish a viable cheetah population in Indian grasslands to revive the grassland ecosystem and promote biodiversity.
  • Total cheetahs brought:
  • 8 cheetahs from Namibia (Sept 2022)
  • 12 cheetahs from South Africa (Feb 2023)
  • Implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in coordination with international partners.

Current Translocation Plan

  • Two cheetahs at Kuno have been identified for transfer to Gandhi Sagar.
  • Aims to test carrying capacity beyond Kuno and reduce ecological dependency on a single location.
  • Prepares Gandhi Sagar as the second active cheetah habitat in India.

International and Logistical Factors

  • India planned to bring 6–8 more cheetahs from South Africa, but diplomatic talks have delayed the import until at least September 2025.
  • The cheetah movement is scheduled before peak summer to minimize weather-induced stress on the animals.
  • Translocation requires complex logistical coordination, including veterinary care, GPS collar tracking, and acclimatization.

Ecological and Strategic Significance

  • Enhances conservation resilience by avoiding over-dependence on Kuno.
  • Helps in spreading the ecological risk and improves success chances of the cheetah reintroduction program.
  • Expected to boost eco-tourism in the Gandhi Sagar area, creating livelihood opportunities.
  • Supports India’s broader goal of grassland ecosystem restoration.

Biological and Behavioral Traits of Cheetah

  • Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
  • Speed: Fastest land animal, capable of speeds up to 112 km/h in short bursts.
  • Physical Features:
  • Slender body, long legs, and tail
  • Enlarged nostrils and lungs for oxygen intake during high-speed chases
  • Black "tear marks" under eyes to reduce glare during hunts
  • Behavioral Traits:
  • Diurnal hunter (active during the day)
  • Solitary or small family groups
  • Cannot roar like lions or tigers (they chirp, purr, and hiss instead)

Global Conservation Status

  • African cheetah: Found in countries like Namibia, South Africa, Botswana. Classified as Vulnerable by IUCN.
  • Asiatic cheetah: Critically Endangered, now found only in Iran with fewer than 20 individuals surviving.
  • The Indian project focuses on the African cheetah due to unavailability of Asiatic cheetahs for relocation.

Conclusion and Way Forward

  • The translocation to Gandhi Sagar marks a milestone in creating a multi-site, secure population of cheetahs in India.
  • Continuous monitoring, scientific research, habitat management, and community involvement will be key to long-term success.
  • India’s efforts contribute to global cheetah conservation, making it the first Asian country to undertake cheetah reintroduction.

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/videos/watch-gandhi-sagar-cheetahs-find-a-new-home-in-india/article69486240.ece