Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why

Source: The post is based on the article “Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why”  published in Indian Express on 19th July 2023

What is the News?

Two cheetahs died of suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by radio collars in Kuno National Park.

What are Satellite or radio collars?

The cheetah’s movements are tracked using satellite transmitters attached to the collars fitted around the neck of the animal. 

With the help of Satellite Collar IDs, the wildlife officials can closely track their travels, activities and health.

The GPS in the collars is similar to that used in smartphones and other electronic devices. Satellites can easily identify the electronic signals that the GPS chips broadcast. It is designed in such a way that it won’t be destroyed due to animal’s movements.

Apart from the location, the tool is used to learn about the animal’s physical state as it helps in communicating health-related information which can be used to determine whether the animal needs to be treated.

How cheetah’s might have died due to Satellite or radio collars?

Carrying something on the body for long has its downsides. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found a significantly higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers compared to others. Staph getting into blood can lead to sepsis or death.

What are the factors that could have made the cheetahs in India more vulnerable due to collars than other big cats and individuals of the species in Africa?

Firstly, a 2020 study led by researchers from the UK criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not factoring in “animal athleticism”. The researchers found that during movement, the forces exerted by collars were generally equivalent to up to five times the collar’s weight for a lion — and a massive 18 times for a cheetah.

Secondly, pathogens that aggravated the wound under the collar could be novel either to the African cheetahs or to Indian conditions. These animals could be vulnerable to certain local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards may be immune.