Project Cheetah: A Noble Idea Facing Serious Hurdles

In September 2022, a significant conservation effort began with the introduction of cheetahs to India, aiming to re-establish a population of this extinct species. Twenty cheetahs were brought from Namibia and South Africa, marking a new chapter for Project Cheetah. However, the project has faced considerable challenges, with several cheetahs passing away, raising questions about its future and the methods employed.

The Return of the Cheetah

Project Cheetah, an ambitious plan to reintroduce cheetahs to India, officially kicked off in September 2022. This initiative aimed to revive a species that had become extinct in the country. The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia, followed by twelve more from South Africa in February 2023. This move generated significant media attention and public interest, rekindling hope for the return of the world's fastest land animal to Indian soil.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context: Cheetahs were once common in India, with historical records indicating their presence for thousands of years. Mughal Emperor Akbar reportedly owned over a thousand cheetahs.
• Extinction in India: Cheetahs were officially declared extinct in India in 1952, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss.
• Reintroduction Efforts: The modern project began in 2022, with cheetahs imported from Namibia and South Africa.
• Challenges Faced: The project has encountered significant setbacks, including the deaths of several cheetahs, raising concerns about the suitability of the environment and management practices.
• Conservation Concerns: The high mortality rate among the introduced cheetahs highlights the complexities of reintroduction programs and the need for careful planning and execution.

A Look Back: Cheetahs in India

The cheetah, whose name originates from the Sanskrit word 'chitraka' meaning 'spotted one', has a long history in India. Scientific evidence, including cave paintings dating back 10,000 years, suggests cheetahs roamed the Indian subcontinent. Historically, cheetahs were kept by royalty for hunting. Emperor Akbar, for instance, is said to have kept thousands of cheetahs throughout his reign. However, by the early 20th century, their numbers dwindled significantly.

Reasons for Past Extinction

Several factors contributed to the cheetah's extinction in India. Hunting was a major cause, with royalty and colonialists hunting cheetahs for sport and as trophies. Between 1800 and 1950, hundreds of cheetahs were captured or killed. Habitat loss also played a critical role. As agriculture expanded, the grasslands that cheetahs relied on for survival shrank, leading to a decline in their population and increased inbreeding.

The Journey to Reintroduction

Discussions about reintroducing cheetahs began as early as 1952. Early proposals involved importing cheetahs from Iran, but political changes in Iran halted these plans. In 2009, a new proposal emerged to import cheetahs from Africa. After extensive surveys of potential sites, Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was identified as a suitable location. The project faced legal hurdles, with the Supreme Court initially halting the import of African cheetahs in 2013, citing concerns about introducing an exotic species and the lack of consultation. The court suggested introducing Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Kuno instead. However, in 2020, the Supreme Court reversed its decision, allowing the import of cheetahs on an experimental basis.

Project Cheetah: Hopes and Hurdles

In September 2022, the first eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia, followed by twelve from South Africa in February 2023. The government planned to spend a significant amount over five years to import more cheetahs and establish a viable population. Upon arrival, the cheetahs were placed in quarantine enclosures before being released into larger enclosures and eventually into the wild. Each cheetah was fitted with a radio collar for tracking and monitoring.

However, the project has been marred by tragedy. By August 2023, nine cheetahs had died. The causes of death varied, including kidney failure, heart failure, dehydration, heat, and aggressive interactions between male cheetahs. Three of the four cubs born to a Namibian cheetah, Siyaya, also died due to dehydration and heat. The high mortality rate, especially among adult cheetahs, has raised serious concerns among wildlife experts.

Contributing Factors to Deaths

• Unsuitable Climate: The Indian climate, particularly the heat and humidity, may be challenging for cheetahs accustomed to African conditions.
• Space Constraints: Kuno National Park, while large, may not provide sufficient space for cheetahs, which typically require vast territories. This lack of space can lead to increased stress and conflict.
• Management Issues: Reports suggest potential mismanagement, including inadequate quarantine feeding, the use of radio collars causing abrasions, and a lack of coordination between different government departments and experts.
• Interspecies Conflict: The presence of leopards in the same enclosures as cheetahs required relocation efforts, adding to the logistical challenges.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: While cheetahs are not typically aggressive towards humans, ensuring the safety of both the animals and local communities requires careful management and awareness programs.

The Path Forward

The high number of deaths has led to criticism, with some experts suggesting the project's focus might be more on public relations than on genuine conservation. While the project has faced significant setbacks, it is not entirely without hope. Addressing the issues of space, climate adaptation, and management practices is crucial for the survival of the remaining cheetahs and the future success of Project Cheetah. Whether the government will take decisive action to rectify these problems remains to be seen.