Botswana Cheetahs Set for India's Kuno National Park in Early 2024
India's Project Cheetah set to welcome new cheetahs from Botswana in January-February 2024.
Photo by Chris Koelewijn
India's ambitious Project Cheetah is set to receive a new batch of cheetahs from Botswana, with translocation likely in January-February 2024. This move follows the successful reintroduction of cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, earlier this year. The initiative aims to establish a viable cheetah population in India, where the species was declared extinct in 1952.
The discussions with Botswana have progressed, and a team of Indian experts is expected to visit soon to finalize the modalities. This is a crucial step in India's conservation efforts, demonstrating international collaboration for biodiversity preservation. The project is not without its challenges, including ensuring the long-term survival and breeding of the translocated animals in a new habitat, but it represents a bold commitment to restoring India's ecological heritage.
Key Facts
Cheetah translocation from Botswana to India expected in Jan-Feb 2024
Part of Project Cheetah, aiming to re-establish cheetah population in India
Previous translocations from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno National Park
Cheetahs declared extinct in India in 1952
UPSC Exam Angles
Conservation biology and species reintroduction challenges
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Protected Area Network in India
International conventions and agreements related to wildlife (CITES, CBD)
Ecological role of apex predators and ecosystem balance
Human-wildlife conflict and community participation in conservation
Visual Insights
Project Cheetah: Translocation Routes to Kuno National Park (2022-2024)
This map illustrates the international collaboration in Project Cheetah, showing the source countries from Africa and the destination in India for cheetah reintroduction. It highlights the phased approach of bringing cheetahs from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana to Kuno National Park.
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Key Milestones of Project Cheetah (2020-2024)
This timeline outlines the crucial events in India's Project Cheetah, from its official momentum to the phased reintroduction of cheetahs from various African nations, culminating in the arrival of the Botswana batch.
The reintroduction of cheetahs is a culmination of decades of conservation discussions and efforts, aiming to reverse the 1952 extinction. The phased approach reflects a strategic, collaborative, and adaptive conservation model.
- 1952Asiatic Cheetah declared extinct in India.
- Early 2000sDiscussions for cheetah reintroduction begin.
- 2020Project Cheetah officially gains momentum with Supreme Court approval.
- September 2022First batch of 8 cheetahs translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park.
- February 2023Second batch of 12 cheetahs translocated from South Africa to Kuno National Park.
- 2023-2024Several cheetah deaths and some births reported in Kuno NP, leading to adaptive management strategies.
- Early 2024New batch of cheetahs translocated from Botswana to Kuno National Park.
- December 2025Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management of cheetah population in Kuno NP.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Project Cheetah and its associated conservation efforts in India: 1. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. 2. Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was chosen for cheetah reintroduction due to its suitable habitat and abundant prey base. 3. The reintroduction efforts have exclusively focused on the Asiatic Cheetah, which is critically endangered. 4. International collaboration with countries like Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana is a key component of Project Cheetah. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.1, 2 and 4 only
- C.3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. Statement 2 is correct. Kuno National Park was selected after extensive surveys for its suitable habitat, prey density, and minimal human disturbance. Statement 3 is incorrect. The reintroduction efforts in India are using African Cheetahs, as the Asiatic Cheetah population is extremely small and confined to Iran, making translocation unfeasible. Statement 4 is correct. Project Cheetah heavily relies on international collaboration for sourcing cheetahs and expertise.
2. With reference to the conservation status of cheetahs, consider the following statements: 1. The African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2. The Asiatic Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) is classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN. 3. Both African and Asiatic Cheetahs are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. The African Cheetah is indeed listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN. Statement 2 is correct. The Asiatic Cheetah, a distinct subspecies, is 'Critically Endangered' and found only in Iran. Statement 3 is correct. Both subspecies are listed in CITES Appendix I, which means they are threatened with extinction and international trade in them is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
3. Match List-I (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary) with List-II (State) and select the correct answer using the code given below: List-I (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary) I. Kuno National Park II. Bandhavgarh National Park III. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve IV. Gir National Park List-II (State) 1. Gujarat 2. Madhya Pradesh 3. Maharashtra Code: I II III IV A) 2 2 3 1 B) 2 3 2 1 C) 1 2 3 2 D) 3 1 2 1
- A.2 2 3 1
- B.2 3 2 1
- C.1 2 3 2
- D.3 1 2 1
Show Answer
Answer: A
I. Kuno National Park is in Madhya Pradesh (2). II. Bandhavgarh National Park is also in Madhya Pradesh (2), famous for its high density of tigers. III. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is in Maharashtra (3). IV. Gir National Park is in Gujarat (1), the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion.
4. In the context of species reintroduction programs like Project Cheetah, which of the following are considered significant challenges for their long-term success? 1. Ensuring adequate prey base and suitable habitat size. 2. Managing human-wildlife conflict, especially with local communities. 3. Maintaining genetic diversity within the translocated population. 4. Preventing the spread of diseases from domestic animals to wild populations. 5. Adapting to climate change impacts on the new habitat. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- C.1, 2, 3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the listed points are significant challenges for the long-term success of species reintroduction programs. 1. An adequate prey base and large enough habitat are fundamental for a viable population. 2. Human-wildlife conflict is a major socio-economic challenge, especially for large carnivores. 3. Genetic diversity is crucial for the long-term health and adaptability of a population. 4. Disease transmission from domestic animals (e.g., canine distemper) can devastate wild populations. 5. Climate change can alter habitats, prey availability, and water sources, posing long-term threats to the reintroduced species.
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