Cheetah Reintroduction Project | India to get more than 100 cheetahs from South Africa
India is set to receive over 100 cheetahs from South Africa as part of a project to re-introduce the species in the country. The Indian government had already initiated talks with South Africa on this matter in 2021. The project is aimed at reintroducing the cheetahs into the Indian wilderness after they went extinct in the country nearly 70 years ago.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the De Wildt Shingwedzi Cheetah and Wildlife Ranch, a leading cheetah breeder in South Africa. The first phase of the project will involve the relocation of a few cheetahs to India. Later on, the number of cheetahs will be increased. The project will be funded by the central government.
Cheetah Reintroduction Project | According to the experts, India has suitable habitats for cheetahs, including grasslands, savannahs, and deserts. The government has identified three potential sites for the reintroduction of the cheetahs. These are Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Shahgarh Landscape in Rajasthan, and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The cheetahs will be carefully monitored by experts to ensure that they are adapting to their new environment. The reintroduction of the cheetahs will help in boosting the country’s biodiversity and also create job opportunities for the local communities.
Cheetah Reintroduction Project | Why this News is Important:
The reintroduction of cheetahs in India is an important step towards the conservation of the species. Cheetahs are one of the fastest land animals and have been classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and poaching. The reintroduction of cheetahs in India will help in increasing the population of the species and creating more awareness about their conservation.
Cheetah Reintroduction Project | Historical Context:
Cheetahs were once found in various parts of India, but their population declined due to hunting and habitat loss. The last cheetah in India was spotted in 1947, after which the species was declared extinct in the country. In 2010, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) proposed the reintroduction of cheetahs in India. However, the project was delayed due to various reasons.
Key Takeaways from “India to get more than 100 Cheetahs from South Africa”
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India is set to receive over 100 cheetahs from South Africa as part of a project to re-introduce the species in the country. |
| 2. | The reintroduction of cheetahs in India will help in increasing the population of the species and creating more awareness about their conservation. |
| 3. | The government has identified three potential sites for the reintroduction of the cheetahs. These are Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Shahgarh Landscape in Rajasthan, and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. |
| 4. | The project will be funded by the central government and will be monitored carefully to ensure that the cheetahs are adapting to their new environment. |
| 5. | The reintroduction of the cheetahs will help in boosting the country’s biodiversity and also create job opportunities for the local communities. |
Cheetah Reintroduction Project | Conclusion
The reintroduction of cheetahs in India is a significant step towards conserving the species and restoring the country’s biodiversity. The project is a result of a long-standing effort by the Indian government and wildlife experts to bring back the cheetahs, which went extinct in the country almost 70 years ago. With suitable habitats for the species, India has the potential to become a thriving ecosystem for the cheetahs. The project will not only increase the population of the species but also create job opportunities for the local communities. The successful implementation of the project will be a testament to India’s commitment to preserving its rich wildlife heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet.
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q. When did cheetahs go extinct in India?
A. Cheetahs went extinct in India almost 70 years ago, in the 1950s.
Q. How many cheetahs will India get from South Africa?
A. India is set to receive more than 100 cheetahs from South Africa.
Q. What is the status of cheetahs in South Africa?
A. Cheetahs in South Africa are currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Q. What are the major threats to cheetahs?
A. Major threats to cheetahs include habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.
Q. Which states in India have been selected for the reintroduction of cheetahs?
A. Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the primary site for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India, while Rajasthan and other states have also been identified as potential sites.
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