Page 21 - Mann Ki Baat September 2022

only large carnivore that has been respect, sovereignty, equality and
extinct due to overhunting and the best interest of both India and
loss of habitat. So, bringing back Namibia.
a top predator rejuvenates the Eight Cheetahs (5 Females and
lost ecosystem and also restores 3 Males) were successfully brought
balance in the ecological pyramid. with the help of the technical
Besides that, it will ensure revival expertise of both countries and
in dry grasslands and open forest released successfully.
ecosystems and its threatened The Prime Minister in his 'Mann
species diversity that has been ki Baat' program on Cheetah
lost with the extinction of the reintroduction underlined the
Cheetah. curiosity that has been created
The continuous effort since among the citizens. To multiply
1952 and then from 2009 set a this effect, he requested each and
concrete platform for establishing every citizen to give their views
Cheetah populations in India. on naming this initiative and to
Targeted deliberations and suggest names for all the cheetahs
discussions led to a detailed survey either traditional or associated
and identification of potential re- with the culture of the society.
introduction sites. Based on IUCN The fundamental duty of
guidelines, 10 potential sites were every citizen as laid down in our
evaluated in terms of species Constitution mentions that it is
viability, suitable habitat, inviolate our duty to “protect and improve
space and adequate prey base. the natural environment including
Of which, Kuno National Park in forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife
Madhya Pradesh was rated high and to have compassion for living
on priority in fulfilling all the criteria creatures”. As emphasized, let
with minimal revamping of the us strive together to make this
existing establishment. happen in the conservation of
Kuno National Park is 748 Sq Cheetah in the wilderness in India.
km and forms the larger part of A massive awareness drive has
Sheopur-Shivpuri dry deciduous been launched among people
open forest landscape spanning and students besides appointing
2
an area of 6,800 km . It has an 'Cheetah Mitra' in all surrounding
estimated carrying capacity to villages.
sustain a maximum of 21 Cheetahs
based on prey densities. To know more about
The conscientious effort in 'Cheetah Mitras',
this journey laid the foundation scan the QR code
by signing an MoU between
Namibia and India which
facilitates the development of a
mutually beneficial relationship to
promote wildlife conservation and
sustainable biodiversity utilization
based on the principles of mutual

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