SC Questions Centre On Death Of Kuno Cheetahs; Questions Being Raised Over ‘Project Cheetah’

On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India demanded an explanation from the centre government over the deaths of cheetahs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, 40% of fatalities within a year do not paint a positive picture. The next hearing will be on August 1, and the Centre has agreed to provide its answer on the subject.

8 Kuno Cheetahs died in this year

Eight cheetahs have perished overall this year, including three cubs and five adult animals who perished in Kuno National Park. All of the deaths, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), were brought on by natural events. The Ministry of environment, forests, and Climate also mentioned experiences in Africa that demonstrated first fatalities following the reintroduction of cheetahs in a statement on Sunday.

“Of the 20 translocated Cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia, five mortalities of adult individuals have been reported from Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, till date. As per the preliminary analysis by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the apex body entrusted with the implementation of Project Cheetah, all mortalities are due to natural causes,” the statement read.

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Questions raised over ‘Project Cheetah’

The statement cited media reports that blamed the deaths on several factors, including their radio collars, and stated: “Such reports are not based on any scientific evidence but are speculation and hearsay.”

The environment ministry stated in its statement that “Project Cheetah” has not yet completed a year and that it would be “premature to conclude the outcome in terms of success or failure, since Cheetah reintroduction is a long-term project” given the series of deaths that have raised concerns about the suitability and adaptability of cheetahs in India and many have questioned the effectiveness of the programme.

The ministry also stated that during the past 10 months, all parties engaged in the project have learned a great deal about managing, watching over, and protecting cheetahs. Long-term success of the project is anticipated, thus there is no need for speculation at this time.