Analyzing Cheetah Relocation in India: Success and Criticism

Cheetah Relocation: Success and Criticisms

The Project Cheetah, initiated in September 2022, aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India after a gap of nearly seventy years. The relocation involved importing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Initially, these animals were kept in enclosures to help them acclimatize before their gradual release into the wild.

Why is it Considered a Success?

• Survival Rate: Despite early doubts, the relocated cheetahs have demonstrated a commendable survival rate while adapting to their new environment.
• Reproduction Success: The birth rate among the cheetahs has surpassed expectations, with several cubs being born and surviving in the wild.
• Population Growth: The project has resulted in a faster-than-anticipated increase in the cheetah population, with over 20 adults and several cubs currently thriving.

What Are Critics Saying?

• Enclosure Limitations: Critics assert that true wilding is yet to occur, as many cheetahs remain in enclosures, restricting their natural behaviors and hunting skills.
• Territorial Challenges: There are concerns regarding Kuno’s carrying capacity, with studies indicating it can only support around 21 cheetahs, raising issues of overpopulation and territorial conflicts.
• Prey Scarcity: The ecosystem in Kuno may face difficulties sustaining a burgeoning cheetah population, given the limited availability of prey and competition from other predators like leopards.
• Incompatibility with Climate: Cheetahs are encountering challenges in adapting to India's monsoon and humid climate, which differs significantly from their native African habitats.

This ongoing debate illustrates the broader challenges of successful species reintroduction and the complexities involved in ensuring their survival in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Project Cheetah?
Answer: Project Cheetah is an initiative launched in September 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs to India after nearly seventy years of extinction. It involves relocating cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park.

Q2. Why are some experts critical of the cheetah relocation?
Answer: Critics highlight concerns such as the limitations of enclosures, territorial challenges, prey scarcity, and the cheetahs' adaptation to India's climate as significant issues affecting the success of the project.

Q3. What has been the survival rate of the relocated cheetahs?
Answer: The relocated cheetahs have shown a high survival rate, indicating successful adaptation to their new environment despite initial skepticism surrounding the project.

Q4. How many cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park?
Answer: Over 20 adult cheetahs and several cubs are presently thriving in Kuno National Park, marking a significant population growth since their relocation.

Q5. What are the main challenges faced by the relocated cheetahs?
Answer: Major challenges include limited prey availability, potential territorial conflicts, and difficulties in adapting to India’s monsoon and humid climate, impacting their ability to thrive in the wild.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main goal of Project Cheetah?
A) To increase tourism in Kuno National Park
B) To reintroduce cheetahs to India
C) To breed cheetahs in captivity
D) To reduce the population of leopards
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which countries were the cheetahs imported from for Project Cheetah?
A) India and Nepal
B) Namibia and South Africa
C) Kenya and Tanzania
D) Australia and Brazil
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What environmental challenge are the cheetahs facing in India?
A) Lack of food
B) Extreme cold temperatures
C) Adapting to monsoon and humidity
D) Insufficient enclosures
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: How many cheetahs can Kuno National Park theoretically support?
A) 10
B) 21
C) 50
D) 100
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What was a significant success of Project Cheetah?
A) Increased tourism
B) Successful reproduction of cubs
C) Building more enclosures
D) Reduced conflicts with leopards
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Why is the natural behavior of cheetahs in enclosures a concern?
A) They sleep too much
B) It limits their hunting skills
C) They become too friendly
D) They lose their fur
Correct Answer: B