Issues with Project Cheetah

Source: The post Issues with Project Cheetah has been created, based on the article “What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- ecology, and environment-conservation

Context: The article discusses India’s plan to reintroduce African cheetahs to restore ecosystems and conserve the species. However, many cheetahs have died due to captivity and health issues, raising concerns about the project’s long-term success and habitat suitability.

For detailed information on Project Cheetah read this article here

What is Project Cheetah?

1. Project Cheetah is India’s effort to introduce African cheetahs into its ecosystems.
2. It aims to conserve the species and restore savanna habitats.
3. The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) mentions that this project also seeks to help Iran conserve the Asiatic cheetah and expand its distribution.
4. Cheetahs are intended to be a flagship species to promote ecosystem restoration and eco-tourism. 5. The project is expected to take 15 to 40 years to reach its goals.
5. An expert committee led by Rajesh Gopal, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees the project.
6. The Wildlife Institute of India provides technical support, and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department handles field implementation.

Where are the Cheetahs Located?

1. The cheetahs are mainly located in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, chosen due to its habitat suitability and prey base.
2. Despite this, most cheetahs have been in captivity for nearly 12 months, not released into the wild as planned.
3. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary has an 80 sq. km fenced area where cheetahs were to be released by early 2024, now delayed to late 2024 or early 2025.
4. A captive breeding facility is being built in Banni grasslands, Gujarat, where some cheetahs will be housed.
5. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is another potential release site.

Will Project Cheetah succeed?

1. The CAP outlines short- and long-term goals.
2. In the short term, it aimed for a 50% survival rate, successful reproduction, and economic benefits through eco-tourism. These targets are not being met due to extended captivity.
3. Long-term success depends on cheetahs establishing stable populations and improving ecosystem health. The project will require consistent management for at least 25 years.

What are the Issues with Project Cheetah?

1. Extended Captivity: The cheetahs have been kept in captivity for nearly 12 months, which makes them unfit for release, against the intended timeline of 1-2 months.
2. High Mortality Rates: Several cheetahs died due to health issues like kidney disease, heart failure, and heatstroke. Three cubs died from heatstroke, and another from drowning.
3. Mismanagement: Cheetah deaths occurred due to improper selection and management. For example, a female died from injuries after being introduced to a male coalition.
4. Unsuitable Habitat: There are concerns about whether India has enough suitable habitat (4,000 to 8,000 sq. km) to support a viable free-ranging population of cheetahs.
5. Missed Targets: Short-term goals like a 50% survival rate and successful reproduction are not being met due to prolonged captivity and management issues.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by Project Cheetah in achieving its short-term goals, including extended captivity and high mortality rates.