Over a year since the re-introduction of Cheetahs in Kuno National Park, India, on November 17, 2022, the authorities claim to have achieved at least short-term success on four counts.
The centre had outlined criteria for the success of the first phase of the project, which includes achieving at least 50 per cent survival of the re-introduced cheetahs for the first year and the establishment of a home range for Cheetahs in Kuno so they can successfully reproduce in the wild. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and WII (Wildlife Institute of India) constituted an 11-member steering committee to oversee the re-introduction project in India. Rajesh Gopal, the secretary general of the Global Tiger Forum, is the committee’s chairman, and PCCF (wildlife) Aseem Shrivastava.
1. Survival of Cheetahs: One of the most significant achievements of the project has been the survival of the Cheetahs. Out of the initial 17 Cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa, 15 have survived, with one cub born in the wild.
2. Adaptation to the New Environment: The Cheetahs have shown remarkable adaptability to the new environment in Kuno-Palpur. They have been observed hunting, socializing, and breeding, indicating that they are comfortable in their new home.
3. Community Engagement: The Cheetah re-introduction project has also been a success in engaging the local community. The Cheetahs have become a source of pride for the people of Kuno-Palpur, and they have actively participated in conservation efforts.
4. Tourism Potential: The Cheetahs have also boosted the tourism potential of Kuno-Palpur. Visitors from all over India are flocking to the park to glimpse the world’s fastest land animal.
While these initial successes are encouraging, the long-term success of the project will depend on several factors, including the availability of prey, the management of human-wildlife conflict, and the continued support of the local community.
The Cheetah re-introduction project is a landmark conservation effort, and the short-term successes achieved so far are a testament to the dedication of the people involved. With continued effort, the project has the potential to be a resounding success story for India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
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