Why in News?
President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana saw the country formally announce the translocation of eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah. The two nations also signed agreements to deepen cooperation in trade, health, renewable energy, defence, and development partnership.
Description:
- Launched: 2022
- Purpose: Reintroduce cheetahs in India after 70+ years of extinction.
- Nature: First-ever intercontinental large carnivore translocation project in the world.
Implementing Agencies:
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) – Nodal agency (under MoEFCC).
- Partners:
- Madhya Pradesh Forest Department
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Cheetah Project Steering Committee: Established in 2023 for supervision.
Objectives:
- Establish viable, free-ranging cheetah populations in Indian habitats.
- Restore savanna and grassland ecosystems.
- Promote eco-development, ecotourism, and local livelihood benefits.
- Reduce human–wildlife conflict through awareness.
Achievements / Progress:
- 20 cheetahs imported:
- 8 from Namibia (2022)
- 12 from South Africa (2023)
- First cheetah births in India after 75 years – major conservation milestone.
- 350+ ‘Cheetah Mitras’ trained to support community coordination.
Key Sites:
Primary site: Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
- Semi-arid savanna; suitable prey base.
Second site (in progress): Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.
- Ecosystem: savanna, open grasslands, dry deciduous forests.
- River: Chambal divides the sanctuary.
- Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
- Compared to Maasai Mara (Kenya) due to habitat similarity.
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