Project Cheetah | Is it an Impossible Mission? | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

The Indian government's ambitious Project Cheetah, initiated in 2022, aimed to reintroduce the extinct species into India by importing 20 African cheetahs. Despite initial excitement, the project faces challenges with 6 cheetah deaths due to factors like habitat suitability, climate adaptation, and management issues. The script delves into the history of cheetahs in India, the project's setbacks, and the need for immediate action to ensure its success.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The African cheetah reintroduction project in India started in 2022 with the import of 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.
• 📉 Out of the 20 cheetahs brought to India, 6 have died, raising concerns about the project's success and the animals' health.
• 📚 The Cheetah Project aims to revive the extinct cheetah population in India, with roots in the country dating back to the Mughal era.
• 🏞️ Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was chosen as the primary site for the reintroduction of cheetahs based on feasibility surveys.
• 🔗 There are significant differences between the African and Asiatic cheetah species, with the latter historically present in India.
• 🚫 The Supreme Court of India initially halted the project due to concerns about importing exotic species and the lack of consultation.
• 💰 The Indian government, along with Indian Oil Corporation, plans to invest between 900 million to 1 trillion rupees in the project over the next five years.
• 🔄 The project has faced issues with space, climate adaptation, and management, with some cheetahs roaming outside the designated park area.
• 📝 There is a lack of clarity and consistency in the communication from government departments and project leaders regarding the project's execution.
• 🔄 Some experts suggest that the high mortality rate and mismanagement indicate that the project might be more of a public relations exercise than a conservation effort.
• 👥 The government has appointed 'Cheetah Mitras' to educate local communities about cheetahs to ensure their safety and reduce human-animal conflict.

Q & A

Why were African cheetahs brought to India in 2022?

African cheetahs were brought to India in 2022 as part of the nationwide Project Cheetah, which aimed to revive the extinct species in India.

What is the historical significance of cheetahs in India?

Cheetahs were once abundant in India, with Mughal Emperor Akbar reportedly owning over 1,000 cheetahs at one time. However, by 1952, the Indian government officially declared the species extinct in the country.

What factors contributed to the decline of cheetahs in India?

Factors contributing to the decline of cheetahs in India include hunting by kings for sport, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, and inbreeding due to reduced living space.

How many cheetahs were imported to India initially, and from which countries?

Initially, 8 cheetahs were imported from Namibia in September 2022, followed by 12 more from South Africa in February 2023.

What is the primary habitat requirement for a cheetah?

A cheetah typically requires about 100 square kilometers of space to roam and live.

What was the controversy surrounding the import of African cheetahs to Kuno National Park?

The Supreme Court of India initially stopped the project due to concerns about importing an exotic species and the lack of consultation with the National Board of Wildlife. It was also noted that the African cheetah is a different species from the Asiatic cheetah that once lived in India.

What challenges have the imported cheetahs faced since their arrival in India?

The imported cheetahs have faced challenges such as a high mortality rate, with 6 out of 20 cheetahs dying due to various reasons including kidney failure, heart failure, dehydration, heat, and injuries caused by radio collars.

What role do the 'Cheetah Mitras' play in the project?

Cheetah Mitras are assigned to ensure the safety of the cheetahs, educating villagers about the non-threatening nature of cheetahs and preventing overreactions if they encounter one.

What are some criticisms of the Cheetah Project's management?

Criticisms include mismanagement of space with high cheetah densities, unsuitable climate adaptation, lack of cooperation between government departments, and systemic mismanagement with untrained personnel handling tasks outside their expertise.

What is the estimated budget for the Cheetah Project over the next five years?

The Indian government, along with Indian Oil Corporation, plans to spend around 900 million to 1 trillion rupees on the Cheetah Project over the next five years.

What is the current status of the Cheetah Project in terms of cheetah population?

As of the script's date, there have been 24 cheetahs in India, including four cubs born to a female cheetah named Siaya. However, there have been multiple deaths, with 9 out of the 24 cheetahs reported to have died.