What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Cheetah Action Plan (CAP):

The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) is India’s ambitious project to reintroduce African cheetahs into its ecosystems.
The goal is to conserve the species while restoring savanna habitats.
Despite its noble objectives, the project has faced challenges, including prolonged captivity and fatalities, which raise concerns about its long-term viability.

What is Project Cheetah?

Project Cheetah aims to translocate African cheetahs to India.
The Phase-1 of the project started in 2022, to restore the population of cheetahs, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
Key objectives include:
- Cheetah Conservation: Restoring cheetah populations and habitats.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Cheetahs are seen as a flagship species for savanna ecosystems in India, which are in need of restoration.
- Long-Term Commitments: The project requires a long-term (25+ years) commitment from India’s Ministry of Environment, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
- Global Partnership: India aims to collaborate with Iran and other international bodies to conserve the Asiatic cheetah as well.

Who Manages Project Cheetah?

An expert committee chaired by Rajesh Gopal, appointed by the NTCA, is responsible for overseeing the project.
Key institutions include:
- NTCA and MoEFCC: Responsible for high-level decisions and negotiations with African countries.
- Wildlife Institute of India: Provides technical guidance.
- Madhya Pradesh Forest Department: Manages field operations.

Will Project Cheetah Succeed?

The CAP outlines both short-term and long-term goals for success:

Short-Term Goals:
- 50% survival rate in the first year.
- Cheetahs establishing home ranges.
- Successful reproduction in the wild.
- Economic benefits through eco-tourism.
Current Status: Many of these goals have not been met due to the extended captivity of cheetahs.
Long-Term Goals:
- Establish a stable, viable cheetah population.
- Improve ecosystem health and prey diversity.
- Generate sustainable income for local communities through conservation efforts.

Is There a Sunset Clause?

The project is expected to require management for at least 30-40 years, with success defined as the establishment of a stable, free-ranging cheetah population in India.
However, the availability of 4,000 to 8,000 sq. km of suitable habitat is still uncertain, making the long-term viability of Project Cheetah an open question.

Why are African Cheetahs in Captivity?

Originally, the plan was to release radio-collared males and females into the wild within weeks of their arrival.
However, these timelines were not met:
- Prolonged Captivity: The cheetahs endured extended periods in enclosures, with the 12 surviving adults spending almost the entire last year in captivity.
- Negative Effects: Long-term captivity has rendered these cheetahs unfit for release into the wild, undermining the project’s main goal.
According to Namibian policy, wild large carnivores should not remain in captivity for more than three months, beyond which they are deemed unsuitable for release.

Why Have So Many Cheetahs Died?

Some cheetahs had medical issues, such as one female from Namibia with renal disease, leading to her death.
Issues like improper pairing for mating and incorrect care have led to deaths, including one instance where a female cheetah was mauled during a mating attempt.
Cheetah cubs and adults have succumbed to heat stroke, poor environmental conditions, and suspected improper care during the Indian summer and monsoon.
One cheetah died from drowning, an extremely rare occurrence for this species.

Why Kuno National Park?

Out of 10 sites surveyed, Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was chosen due to its suitable habitat and prey base. However, even in Kuno, most of the cheetahs have remained in captivity.
- Plans to release cheetahs into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary have been delayed, now expected to happen in late 2024 or early 2025.
- A captive breeding facility is also being built in Banni grasslands, Gujarat, for future cheetah housing.

Source: TH