India Awaits New Cheetah Batch from Kenya as Project Approaches Two-Year Milestone!
India’s ambitious Cheetah Project is about to mark its two-year anniversary, with efforts underway to bring a new group of cheetahs from Kenya. Indian authorities have completed their part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) process and are now waiting for approval from Kenya. Additionally, talks are in progress with South Africa for the possible relocation of 12 to 16 surplus cheetahs.
SP Yadav, an adviser to the Cheetah Project Steering Committee, shared that cheetahs for a breeding center currently being built in Gujarat's Bunni grasslands will also be sourced from Kenya. While no official timeline has been set, Yadav hinted that "winter is the ideal time to bring them." He further explained that once Kenya gives its approval, both countries will move forward with signing the MoU.
Since the project’s inception, 20 cheetahs have been relocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking the first-ever intercontinental translocation of the species. Over the past two years, 17 cubs have been born in India. However, eight adult cheetahs (three females and five males) and five cubs have died during this period. Currently, there are 24 cheetahs living in enclosures at Kuno.
Negotiations are also advancing with South Africa, which has identified 12 to 16 surplus cheetahs that must either be sent to another country or face euthanasia. This situation highlights the urgency of relocating the animals.
The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India’ outlines a strategy to bring 12-14 cheetahs each year from South Africa, Namibia, and other African nations over five years to build a sustainable population. This landmark project will celebrate its two-year mark on September 17.
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