Page 20 - Mann Ki Baat September 2022

Cheetah in India – An Archetype of

Wildlife Conservation

be taken to supplement this
population for the next 5 years
or even after that till a viable
population of 40-45 cheetahs is
established.
The Cheetahs brought back
in India speak not only about its
re-introduction but also signifies
the country’s dedication and
commitment towards wildlife and
Biodiversity conservation and also
to restoring its natural heritage in
Dr. S.P. Yadav terms of ethical, ecological and
Member Secretary, National Tiger economic means.
Conservation Authority, Ministry of The History behind this
Environment, Forest & Climate Change momentous effort takes us
back to 1952 when the extinction
of Cheetahs in India was
It was a rejoicing moment acknowledged during the first
when Cheetah’s (Acinonyx wildlife board meeting and called
jubatus) were released in Kuno for immediate attention to assign
National Park by the Hon’ble Prime special priority to the protection
th
Minister on 17 September 2022. of Cheetahs. Since then, the
It is also significant to mention negotiation started with countries
that, in the midst of Azadi Ka like Iran, South Africa etc.
Amrit Mahatsov, the Cheetah The extinction of Cheetahs
introduction has taken place. In has also taught a lesson which in
a historic event, first-of-its-kind turn led to the enactment of the
inter-continental translocation Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 which
from wild to wild, 8 Cheetahs outlawed all forms of hunting and
have been brought from Namibia capturing wild animals in India,
using a chartered cargo flight and except for scientific reasons or
released in quarantine enclosures when they pose a threat to human
at Kuno National Park. Further, life. Thereby, it paved the way for
efforts are on to bring 12 more change in the modus operandi
Cheetahs from South Africa very of conservation aspects in the
soon after the signing of MoU. Forestry and Wildlife Sector in
After carefully monitoring these India.
founding populations regarding The reintroduction of the
their adaptation to the Indian large carnivore is recognized as a
climate, habitat, and capability strategy to conserve threatened
to hunt and survive, success in species and restore ecological
reproduction decisions would functions. In India, Cheetah is the
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