On the occasion of International Cheetah Day (4 December), two cheetahs, Agni and Vayu, were released into the open forest area of Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
Key Highlights of the Relocation
- Milestone in Cheetah Reintroduction Project: After spending over a year in protective enclosures following setbacks, including the loss of three cheetahs in July 2023 due to septicaemia, this release symbolizes renewed hope for the project.
- The release was carried out in the Palpur East area across the Kuno River.
- Phased Release Strategy: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee proposed a phased approach for releasing cheetahs into the wild.
- Male coalitions are prioritized, followed by individual cheetahs and mothers with cubs.
- Monitoring Measures: The released cheetahs are being monitored constantly to study their behavior and adaptation to wild conditions.
- Overcoming Challenges: Concerns about co-predators like leopards and loss of survival instincts were mitigated through intensive monitoring and preparations.
- Preventive vaccinations have been carried out to combat potential diseases.
- Hunting Success: While in enclosures, the cheetahs demonstrated their ability to hunt prey like chitals, instilling confidence in their survival skills.
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About International Cheetah Day
- International Cheetah Day is celebrated annually on 4 December.
- Initiated by: the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
- Purpose: To raise awareness about cheetah conservation efforts and highlight the importance of restoring this species in the wild.
- Organizing Body: The day is spearheaded by global wildlife organizations, including the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).
About Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)
- CCF is a global organization dedicated to the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems.
- It was founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker, a renowned conservation biologist.
- The CCF is based in Namibia, a country with one of the largest populations of wild cheetahs.
Initiatives of CCF:
- Research: CCF conducts scientific research to better understand cheetah ecology, behavior, and genetics.
- Conservation: CCF implements conservation programs to protect cheetah habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- Education: CCF educates communities about the importance of cheetah conservation and promotes sustainable land use practices.
- Community Outreach: CCF works with local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods and reduce the threat of poaching and habitat loss.
- One of CCF’s most successful programs is the Livestock Guarding Dog Program, which uses dogs to protect livestock from predators, reducing the need for lethal control of cheetahs.
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About Kuno National Park
- Location: Situated in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, near the Vindhyan Hills.
- Named after the Kuno River, a key tributary of the Chambal River.
- Status: Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary, it was declared a national park in 2018 under the ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India.’
- Vegetation and Flora: Predominantly grasslands with few rocky outcrops.
- Key tree species include Kardhai, Salai, and Khair.
- Fauna: Home to species like Indian leopard, jungle cat, sloth bear, Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, Bengal fox, and Dhole.
- Ecological Significance:
- Part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests, characterized by dry deciduous and thorn scrub forests.
- This ecoregion is unique in Asia for supporting the Asiatic lion, primarily in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
Additional Reading: Project Cheetah
December 7, 2024
