One year ago, eight African cheetahs arrived in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s conservation efforts. The ambitious project aims to establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in India, allowing these magnificent creatures to play their role as top predators and expand within their historical range, contributing to global conservation. However, the journey has been marked by challenges and questions.
CONSERVATION AMBITIONS
To date, 20 adult African cheetahs have been imported, but not without setbacks. The first batch of eight cheetahs arrived in September 2022, followed by another 12 from South Africa in February 2023. In March 2023, hope was kindled as one of the females gave birth to four cubs conceived in India.
CHALLENGES AND SETBACKS
Sadly, six of the imported cheetahs from Africa have passed away, with four succumbing in captivity and two in the wild.
Furthermore, four adult cheetahs have yet to experience true freedom in the wild. Tragically, three of the four cubs also met untimely ends, and the lone surviving cub is now being hand-reared, as its mother rejected it.
DELAYED FREEDOM
Since the loss of three cheetahs in July-August, all remaining 10 free cheetahs have been placed in enclosures for observation, radio-collar removal, and treatment. On the first anniversary of the project, the surviving 14 adult cheetahs and one cub remain in captivity, with talks of their eventual release when winter sets in.
Additionally, project authorities are considering new release sites such as the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, both in Madhya Pradesh.
MYSTERIOUS DEMISES
But the question that looms large is, why did these cheetahs meet such unfortunate fates? Multiple reasons and causes have been attributed to their deaths, with radio collars seemingly not to blame. Investigating whether the African cheetahs are susceptible to Indian insects and parasites due to the collars is essential. The initial death was attributed to a renal condition, raising concerns about the selection of a sick cheetah for transport and adaptation to a new environment.
One female perished during mating attempts within the enclosure, leading to questions about the rush to mate them in captivity. The death of three cubs due to heat waves in March 2023 brings forth more questions about the decision to breed them in captivity rather than in a free-ranging environment, as outlined in the Action Plan.
The loss of a male to cardio-pulmonary failure remains shrouded in mystery, with the ultimate cause yet to be determined. The last three deaths occurred during the monsoon, with conflicting reports but no definitive cause shared with the public.
