The central government is all set to re-introduce the world’s fastest land animal- Cheetah which was declared extinct in India in 1952. By the end of this year, Cheetah May roam at the Kuno Nationa Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The country’s last spotted Cheetah fell to hunting in Chhattisgarh in 1947. Fiver years later, it was declared extinct in the country in 1952. Since then, the government is trying to re-introduce the majestic cat. A few years back, the Wildlife Institute of India had initiated a Cheetah project- concerning the re-introduction of animal in the country.
Here’s the timeline of India’s effort in re-introducing big cat after the extinction
1947- The last three wild Cheetas were killed by hunters.
1952- The majestic cat was declared extinct in the country.
2009- A solid plan was devised to relocate the Asiatic cheetah which is found in the wild only in Iran. However, Iran refused to entertain such a plan. The focus was shifted to African Cheetah.
2013- Supreme Court of India rejected to introduce an alien species of the carnivore- the African Cheetah.
2020- The topmost court finally gave a nod and now we would get to welcome the fastest animal on the earth in India.
MP Forest Minister Vijay Shah earlier said, “We have started the process of creating an enclosure for around 10 cheetahs, including five females, to be brought from South Africa to Kuno in Sheopur district and it is going to be completed by August."
As per the plan, officials from India were to be sent to South Africa for sensitization and training in the months of June and July. “The transportation of Cheetahs will take place in October and November,” said Shah.
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Kuno National Park
The national park is located in the Chambal region and is spread over an area of 750 sq km and has a conducive environment for the Cheetah.
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister, Mr. Shah said, “According to the approved timeline sent to us by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change this week, the tentative budget outlay of the 'Project Cheetah' is Rs 1,400 lakh for this fiscal.”
Approved Habitat
Earlier in April, the expert from South Africa had visited the National park accompanied by WII scientists. The facilities and habitat created for the introduction of African Cheetahs were inspected and approved.
"Madhya Pradesh had in the past been home to cheetahs. The state has a long conservation history...we have the habitat. We also have a successful animal translocation track record," Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J S Chauhan said.