The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India faced a significant setback as Shaurya, a Namibian cheetah translocated to Kuno National Park, passed away on Tuesday. This marks the latest in a series of unfortunate events, with a total of ten cheetahs, including seven adults and three cubs, having died since March 2023.
The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) and Director of Lion Project issued a statement detailing the events leading to Shaurya’s demise. The tracking team observed signs of distress in the cheetah, such as incoordination and a staggering gait, prompting the decision to tranquilize the animal. However, complications arose post-revival, and despite efforts, Shaurya failed to respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The exact cause of death remains unknown and will be determined through a post-mortem examination.
The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is a critical initiative by the Indian government to revive the population of this endangered species in the country. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952, and the translocation of cheetahs from Africa, particularly Namibia, is a key component of this conservation effort.
Under the project, eight Namibian cheetahs, comprising five females and three males, were relocated to Kuno National Park in September 2022. Subsequently, in February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs were brought to the park from South Africa. The project aims to establish a sustainable and thriving cheetah population in India.
However, the project has faced challenges, especially concerning the well-being and survival of the translocated cheetahs. Since March 2023, a total of seven adult cheetahs, including Shaurya, have succumbed to various reasons, intensifying concerns about the project’s success. The death toll, including three cubs, now stands at 10.
The Supreme Court, recognizing the environmental implications and the need for accountability, intervened in May 2023. Voicing concerns over the deaths of these big cats, the court requested the Union government to submit a detailed affidavit explaining the reasons behind the deaths and the remedial measures taken to prevent further casualties.
In response, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the National Tiger Conservation Authority assured the apex court that while the deaths are troubling, they are not “unduly alarming.” The surviving cheetahs are being captured and medically examined as a precautionary measure.
The death of Shaurya underscores the complexity and challenges associated with translocating and reintroducing species into new habitats. Wildlife conservation efforts must strike a delicate balance between preserving biodiversity and addressing the risks inherent in such ambitious projects.
As India grapples with the implications of Shaurya’s death and evaluates the overall progress of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, it becomes crucial to reassess strategies, enhance monitoring protocols, and prioritize the well-being of these majestic animals to ensure the success of this ambitious conservation endeavor.
