EXPLAINED | What Led To Extinction Of The Cheetah In India And How Modi Govt Plans To Reintroduce It

In the next five years, 50 cheetahs will be reintroduced in India, Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said in a statement. An action plan was launched.

A Southern African cheetah is pictured inside its exhibit at the Singapore Zoo in Singapore on October 26, 2021. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: The cheetah that became extinct in independent India is all set to return, Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced Wednesday.

The minister tweeted that an action plan for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India was launched at the 19th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

In the next five years, 50 cheetahs will be reintroduced in India, Yadav said in a statement issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

The cheetah that became extinct in independent India, is all set to return.

Launched an action plan for reintroduction of cheetah in India at the 19th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. pic.twitter.com/Gs5k0ktMUb

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 5, 2022

How Did The Cheetah Become Extinct In India? 

India has not lost a large mammalian species in historical times, except one — the cheetah. The animal is charismatic and has a very special significance for the national conservation ethic and ethos. The word, 'Cheetah', originates from Sanskrit, meaning 'the spotted one', and Neolithic cave paintings in India have been found to depict the animal.

The animal was found in the entire country, except the high mountains, coasts and the northeast region, according to different accounts.

The large scale capture of animals from the wild for coursing, bounty, and sport hunting, and extensive habitat conservation along with consequent decline in prey base were the main reasons behind the decline of cheetah in India, the government's action plan notes.

The number of cheetahs in India had decreased significantly by 1900.

During the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir in the 16th century, the first cheetah in the world was bred in captivity in India. During the rule of Akbar, there were as many as 10,000 cheetahs. Of these, 1,000 were in his court.

In the 20th century, cheetahs were imported for sport. Between 1799 and 1968, there were at least 230 cheetahs, according to research.

The last cheetahs in the wild were recorded in 1948 where three of them were shot in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Koriya District (in present-day Chhattisgarh), and a few sporadic reports from Central and Deccan regions till the mid-1970s.

Simultaneously, India had started negotiations with the Shah of Iran in the 1970s to bring the Asiatic cheetah to India in exchange for Asiatic lions.
In 2009, it was decided that the African cheetah would be used for introduction to India.

In 1952, the first wildlife board meeting of independent India was called for assigning special priority for the protection of the cheetah in central India.

After the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act of India in 1972, and the establishment of a network of protected areas in the last five decades, the original cause for the extinction of the cheetah in India has been adequately addressed, the Action Plan states.

Where Are Cheetahs Currently Found In The World?

It is estimated that there are only 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild, according to wildlifeday.org. They are found primarily in the eastern and southern ranges of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. Small populations are also found in North Africa and Iran. As of 2015, more than 3,500 cheetahs live in Namibia.

How Does The Government Plan To Reintroduce The Cheetah In India?

In September 2009, a consultative meeting of global experts was held at Gajner, Rajasthan, where the reintroduction of cheetahs was discussed. At the meeting, a consensus was reached to conduct a detailed survey of selected sites to explore the potential of reintroducing cheetahs.

Ten sites in five central Indian states were surveyed, and among these, the Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh was rated high on priority list for considering the introduction of cheetah because of its suitable habitat and adequate prey base, according to the Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India. Also, KNP is devoid of any human settlements.

Based on the 2010 surveys as well as recent assessments, the other recommended sites for reintroduction of cheetah in India are Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, Shahgarh bulge in Rajasthan, and Mukundara Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. These sites are recommended for holding and conservation breeding of cheetah in wild conditions.

According to the action plan, a total of 10 cheetahs will be sourced to India from South Africa or Namibia, and will be fitted with satellite telemetry collars. 

The first group of cheetahs will need to settle into the reserve, and must learn to find the appropriate prey to hunt or kill, and to begin breeding.

Initially, around three to four male cheetahs will be imported to India. This will allow the males to get to know the area, and hunt more successfully. The males should be four to five years of age, as they would be dominant and looking to hold territory, the Action Plan states.

Around six female cheetahs will be a part of the initial group of cheetahs to be introduced to India. The females should be more than 2.5 years of age. 

The cheetahs will be transported by air to India and by truck from the airport to the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.

They will be anaesthetised prior to transport, and radio-collars will be placed on them so that once they are released in India, they will have them already attached in case of escape or long distance movement. 

The animals will be fed on natural prey while in the holding compound.