In a heartening development for India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Project, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that a Namibian cheetah named ‘Jwala’ has given birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This news follows closely on the heels of another Namibian cheetah, ‘Aasha,’ giving birth to her cubs just weeks ago.
Minister Yadav took to social media to share the joyous news, posting a video and expressing congratulations to the wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife enthusiasts across the country. The birth of these cubs marks a significant stride in the ambitious plan by the central government to revive the cheetah population in India.
Cheetahs, known as the fastest land animals, were declared extinct in India in 1952. As part of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, eight cheetahs from Namibia, including five females and three males, were released into enclosures at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022. Subsequently, in February 2023, an additional 12 cheetahs from South Africa were introduced to the park.
However, the project has faced challenges, with the deaths of seven out of the 20 imported cheetahs drawing criticism. The unexpected development of winter coats by some cheetahs during the Indian summer and monsoon presented a significant challenge. The winter coat, coupled with high humidity and temperatures, led to itching and injuries as the animals scratched themselves on tree trunks or the ground. This resulted in maggot infestations, bacterial infections, and septicemia, causing the deaths of three cheetahs.
Despite these challenges, the conservation efforts continue, with officials working to address the unforeseen complications and ensure the well-being of the remaining cheetahs. The births of cubs bring renewed hope for the success of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project and the establishment of a thriving cheetah population in India.
The project aims to re-establish cheetahs in their historical range, contributing to biodiversity conservation and enhancing the ecological balance in the region. The recent births at Kuno National Park mark a positive step forward in this conservation endeavor.
Sources By Agencies
