As India transfers a female cheetah from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar, Project Cheetah faces heightened scrutiny from South Africa over deaths and questions about translocation strategy.
Project Cheetah Marks Three Years with First Relocation
Marking three years of Project Cheetah, the first female — Dheera — was shifted from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, in a move that has reignited debate on the cheetah reintroduction strategy in India. The transfer, which coincided with Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday and a major visit to the region, comes amid rising international scrutiny over cheetah mortality since the rewilding programme began.
Project Cheetah at a Crossroads
India’s first successful births of cheetahs in the wild in over 70 years stand in contrast to the deaths of several translocated animals due to disease, interspecies conflict, and adaptation challenges. Indian officials argue that moving animals to additional sites like Gandhi Sagar will foster population growth and resilience. However, South African conservationists have raised concern over animal welfare, calling current mortality rates “unjustifiable,” and announced plans to review the science before sending more cheetahs.
Ethical, Ecological, and Diplomatic Challenges
The controversy illustrates the difficulties of cross-continental species rewilding, as well as the need for better site preparation and ongoing care. While Indian officials maintain all current cheetahs — nine adults and sixteen Indian-born — are healthy, international partners demand greater transparency and strategic adjustment before expanding the reintroduction.
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