Environment Minister announces the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India

Source: The post is based on the article “Environment Minister announces the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India” published in PIB on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate change has announced the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India. The Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. 

When did Cheetahs go extinct in India?

What is the Cheetah Reintroduction project?

Aim: To establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in India that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and provide space for the expansion of the cheetah within its historic range thereby contributing to its global conservation efforts.

As per the Action Plan for Cheetah Introduction in India, annually 10–12 cheetahs are required to be imported from African countries for the next 5 years at least.

– In this context, the Government of India has successfully concluded the signing of MoU with the Republic of South Africa.

– Under the provisions of the MoU, a first batch of 12 cheetahs (7 males, 5 females) will be translocated from South Africa to India.

Note: In September 2022, the Government of India welcomed eight African Cheetahs from Namibia to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.