India’s ambitious Cheetah Project, marking its second anniversary next week, is gearing up for a new phase of cheetah translocations from Kenya and South Africa. This initiative, aimed at reintroducing the species to India after its extinction in the country, has seen remarkable progress, with the first batch of cheetahs adapting well to their new home at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
Authorities have finalized their part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya for the importation of a new batch of cheetahs, awaiting approval from Kenyan officials. The project also includes discussions with South Africa to secure 12 to 16 surplus cheetahs for the breeding center being constructed in the Bunni grasslands of Gujarat.
SP Yadav, adviser to the Cheetah Project Steering Committee and director general of the International Big Cat Alliance, confirmed that winter is the ideal time for the translocations, citing favorable weather conditions. “The Memorandum of Understanding process is in progress. India has finalised its part, and the Kenyan government needs to approve it. After that, both governments will sign the MoU,” Yadav stated.
Since the project’s inception, 20 cheetahs have been brought to Kuno National Park, marking the first intercontinental translocation of the species. While India has celebrated the birth of 17 cubs over the past two years, the project has also faced challenges, with eight adult cheetahs and five cubs succumbing to various causes. Currently, 24 cheetahs reside within enclosures at Kuno.
The future of the project hinges on building a sustainable cheetah population. “Discussions are ongoing with South Africa. It has already identified 12 to 16 surplus cheetahs. They must either give them to another country or euthanise them. That is the current situation,” Yadav added.
The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India’ outlines a strategy to import 12-14 cheetahs annually from South Africa, Namibia, and other African countries for five years to establish a solid foundation for the species in India. As India celebrates the Cheetah Project’s second anniversary on September 17, the focus remains on ensuring the successful reintroduction of this majestic creature to its former home.
