Extinct from India, Cheetahs set to return to India in August

By August, India plans to introduce cheetahs from South Africa into a wildlife reserve in Madhya Pradesh as part of efforts to reintroduce the species, which has been declared extinct in the country.

According to a top environment ministry official, a special 10 sq km cheetah enclosure has been prepared at the Kuno-Palpur National Park in Madhya Pradesh and would soon be home to at least six cheetahs brought in from South Africa.

He stated that the deal with South Africa is in place and being reviewed by the legal cell. There were also talks with Namibia about importing cheetahs from that country to India, but they met a snag over hunting difficulties.

“The deal with South Africa is in place,” he added, adding that the legal unit is reviewing it.

There were also talks with Namibia about importing cheetahs from that country to India, but they met a snag over hunting difficulties.

“We want to introduce 8-10 cheetahs per year for the next five years, bringing the total to 50,” he stated.

Next week, a delegation from South Africa will visit Kuno Palpur to inspect the cheetah facilities.

The Wildlife Trust of India began discussions in 2009 to reintroduce the cheetah back to India.

The cheetah is the only great carnivore that has been entirely eradicated from India, owing to overhunting and habitat destruction.

The Supreme Court convened an expert team, which recommended Kuno Palpur as a viable cheetah relocation site.

By August, India plans to introduce cheetahs from South Africa into a wildlife reserve in Madhya Pradesh as part of efforts to reintroduce the species, which has been declared extinct in the country.

“We want to introduce 8-10 cheetahs per year for the next five years, bringing the total to 50,” he stated.

Next week, a delegation from South Africa will visit Kuno Palpur to inspect the cheetah facilities. The Wildlife Trust of India began discussions in 2009 to reintroduce the cheetah back to India.