Setback for Project Cheetah: Cub Dies Shortly After Release in Kuno
A cheetah cub died in Kuno National Park shortly after being released, marking another setback for Project Cheetah.
Photo by Chris Koelewijn
त्वरित संशोधन
A cheetah cub died in Kuno National Park.
The death occurred less than a day after its release into the wild.
This is the 20th cheetah death since Project Cheetah began in September 2022.
Highlights challenges in wildlife reintroduction programs.
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Project Cheetah: Source Countries & Reintroduction Site
This map illustrates the geographical journey of cheetahs under Project Cheetah, from their source countries in Africa to their reintroduction site in India. It highlights Kuno National Park, the primary location for the project, where the recent cub death occurred.
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Project Cheetah: Key Milestones and Challenges (2009-Present)
This timeline outlines the significant events in India's cheetah reintroduction efforts, from initial discussions to the recent setbacks, providing a chronological context to the project's progress and challenges.
The reintroduction of cheetahs in India is a decades-long endeavor, marked by scientific studies, legal challenges, and international collaboration. The project aims to reverse the historical extinction of the species in India and restore grassland ecosystems, but faces significant ecological and management hurdles.
- 1952Cheetah (*Acinonyx jubatus*) declared extinct in India due to habitat loss and hunting.
- 2009Initial discussions and feasibility studies for cheetah reintroduction begin in India.
- 2010Wildlife Institute of India (WII) submits a detailed project report on 'Cheetah Reintroduction in India'.
- 2012Supreme Court temporarily halts the project over concerns about the suitability of African cheetahs for Indian conditions.
- 2020Supreme Court gives approval for the reintroduction of African cheetahs on an experimental basis.
- Sept 2022Project Cheetah officially launched: First batch of 8 cheetahs from Namibia arrives at Kuno National Park.
- Feb 2023Second batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa arrives at Kuno National Park.
- March 2023 onwardsFirst cheetah mortalities reported due to various reasons (renal failure, infection, territorial fights).
- May 2023First cheetah cubs born in India in decades, but subsequent cub mortalities highlight survival challenges.
- Current NewsAnother cheetah cub dies shortly after release, bringing total deaths to 20. Intensified monitoring and adaptive management strategies are being implemented.
परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Ecological challenges of species reintroduction (adaptation, disease, predation, habitat suitability).
Conservation status of cheetahs (Asiatic vs. African, IUCN status, Wildlife Protection Act).
Geographical aspects of Kuno National Park and other potential reintroduction sites.
Role of institutions like NTCA, WII, and international collaborations in conservation.
Adaptive management strategies and scientific monitoring in conservation projects.
Human-wildlife conflict and community participation in conservation.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
Project Cheetah, India's ambitious wildlife reintroduction program, has faced another setback with the death of a cheetah cub in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The cub died less than a day after being released into the wild, bringing the total number of cheetah deaths since the project's inception in September 2022 to 20.
What does this mean? This incident highlights the significant challenges involved in reintroducing a species into a new habitat, including adaptation issues, disease, and predation. While such losses are often anticipated in complex conservation efforts, they underscore the need for continuous monitoring, scientific evaluation, and adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term success of Project Cheetah and the survival of the reintroduced population.
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
The project has faced several challenges, including a high mortality rate among the reintroduced cheetahs. The recent death of a cub, less than a day after its release, brings the total number of cheetah deaths to 20 since the project's inception.
These deaths are attributed to various factors such as adaptation issues, disease, predation by other carnivores, and potentially habitat-related stress. This incident underscores the complexities and inherent risks in large-scale species reintroduction programs.
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Project Cheetah in India: 1. The project involves the reintroduction of Asiatic Cheetahs sourced from Iran. 2. Kuno National Park, the primary site for cheetah reintroduction, is located in Madhya Pradesh. 3. Cheetahs are currently listed as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN globally. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Project Cheetah involves the reintroduction of African Cheetahs, primarily from Namibia and South Africa, not Asiatic Cheetahs from Iran. Statement 2 is correct. Kuno National Park is indeed located in Madhya Pradesh. Statement 3 is incorrect. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN globally, although they are 'Extinct in India'. The Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) subspecies is 'Critically Endangered'.
2. With reference to the characteristics of cheetahs and other big cats, consider the following statements: 1. Unlike leopards and jaguars, cheetahs are known for their exceptional speed over short distances rather than climbing ability. 2. Cheetahs possess non-retractable claws, which provide extra grip similar to a dog's. 3. The 'tear marks' running from the corner of their eyes to the side of their nose are a distinguishing feature of cheetahs, helping to reduce glare. How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
All three statements are correct. Statement 1: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, adapted for speed, while leopards and jaguars are powerful climbers. Statement 2: Cheetahs have semi-retractable or non-retractable claws, which act like running spikes for traction. Statement 3: The prominent black 'tear marks' are a unique characteristic of cheetahs, believed to help in hunting by absorbing sunlight and reducing glare.
3. In the context of large-scale species reintroduction programs like Project Cheetah, which of the following factors is/are most critical for ensuring the long-term viability of the reintroduced population? 1. Genetic diversity of the founder population. 2. Availability of sufficient prey base and suitable habitat. 3. Active community participation and conflict mitigation strategies. 4. Complete absence of inter-species competition from native predators. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are indeed critical for the long-term viability of a reintroduced population. Genetic diversity prevents inbreeding depression, a sufficient prey base and suitable habitat ensure ecological sustainability, and community participation is vital for minimizing human-wildlife conflict and gaining local support. Statement 4, 'complete absence of inter-species competition from native predators,' is an ideal but often unrealistic and not necessarily the 'most critical' factor. Competition is a natural ecological process, and while excessive competition needs management, its complete absence is not a prerequisite for long-term viability; rather, managing and understanding these interactions is key.