Project Cheetah Expands its Coverage

After spending two years at Kuno National Park, six-year-old Prabhash and Pavak were relocated to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, 250 km away, marking another milestone in the revival of cheetahs in India.

Over the months, India’s Project Cheetah has become an important wildlife conservation initiative since its launch.

On 7th September 2022, eight cheetahs were reintroduced to India from Namibia at the Kuno National Park in Central India. In February 2023, 12 cheetahs were introduced from South Africa, bringing the total to 20.

India became the first country to reintroduce large carnivores (cheetahs) from one continent (Africa) to another (Asia), and this journey is quite interesting.

Reintroducing the Cheetah in India

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) entry into India after 70 years is a one-of-a-kind wildlife conservation initiative.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, due to overhunting and habitat loss, cheetahs were declared extinct in the country. 

In 2022, the Indian government launched Project Cheetah, the world’s first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project. The project aims to reintroduce the species to its native grasslands, restore the ecosystem, boost tourism, raise awareness, and support local livelihoods.

Project Cheetah brought biologists, ecologists, environmentalists and government agencies from two continents to put plans into action.

The 742 sq km Kuno National Park, located in Sheopur district in Madhya Pradesh, became the first wildlife sanctuary in India to provide a home for cheetahs. The Kuno forests and climate were considered conducive to a free-ranging cheetah population. 

Kuno Park boasts a diverse ecosystem, home to birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Notable wildlife includes leopards, wild dogs, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and several species of deer. 

Despite initial hiccups and challenges, including the deaths of some cheetahs due to health issues and concerns about prey availability, the project continued with continuous monitoring and management. 

Gradually, the cheetahs were observed hunting chital (spotted deer). Over the months, Kuno National Park also witnessed the birth of 17 cubs, of which 12 survived, indicating their adaptation to the environment. 

The project onboarded ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) from surrounding villages to involve local communities. The Cheetah Mitras educate the public on cheetah behaviour and human-wildlife conflict mitigation, fostering peaceful coexistence.

Cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Releasing two cheetahs into a new region is another significant step, as it will increase cheetah presence in India. These apex predators play important roles in maintaining and functioning ecosystems.

Spread over 368 sq km, Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the western border of the Malwa plateau and lies on either side of the banks of the Chambal River.

The nature park has cliffs and valleys intermittently scattered along its length. The rocky terrain creates a predominantly savanna habitat with grasslands dotting the landscape.

The forest boasts a rich and diverse flora and is home to an array of species, including leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, grey wolf, golden jackal, Indian fox, jungle cat, and Indian pangolin.

Within the serene landscapes of the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, thousands of ancient rock paintings adorn the rocky cliffs, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history.

Together with cheetahs, it can become a tourism hub, as wildlife lovers in India can witness these charismatic animals for the first time in 7 decades, offering livelihood and economic opportunities in the region.

Wrapping Up

Reintroduction and translocation wildlife programs are not easy to implement, as they require robust scientific understanding, conservation efforts, and community participation.

The government has indicated that the introduction of cheetahs will be expanded to other wildlife and forest reserves in India. Apart from the Gandhisagar Sanctuary, another potential site is the Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.

The cheetah introduction program in India would boost global conservation efforts for the species and help conserve vulnerable genetic lineages. 

Now that India launched another major initiative, the International Big Cat Alliance in April 2023, aimed at the conservation of seven big cats, the cheetah reintroduction becomes even more significant.

The conservation of cheetahs in India can serve as a benchmark for other countries looking for wildlife reintroduction.

It reflects India’s growing interest in global leadership in wildlife conservation and demonstrates what’s possible when science, political will, and public engagement align.