No Agreement with Kenya for Cheetah Translocation to India: Government Update

The Indian government has clarified that no agreement was signed with Kenya for cheetah translocation to India. Since their reintroduction, 17 cubs have been born in Kuno National Park. The government plans further cheetah introductions and a breeding center to enhance the population, despite initial setbacks.

No formal agreement has been signed with Kenya regarding the translocation of cheetahs to India, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh addressed the Rajya Sabha, reporting that 17 cubs were born in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, following the cheetahs' introduction.

'No, Sir. No agreement has been signed with the government of Kenya for translocation of cheetahs to India,' he stated.

The initial batch of eight cheetahs arrived in September 2022, followed by a second batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February.

A source revealed plans to introduce cheetahs into a fenced area in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, focused on breeding later this year. A breeding center in Gujarat's Banni grasslands was approved by the Central Zoo Authority in February.

The Union Environment Ministry's document outlined a long-term goal for a metapopulation in the Kuno-Gandhisagar landscape, expecting 60-70 cheetahs after implementing restorative measures and scientific management.

The ambitious project faced criticism due to initial cheetah deaths. However, the birth of 17 cubs this year suggests the project is progressing well.

Notably, Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to three cubs in January, fellow Namibian Jwala birthed three in the same month, and South African cheetah Gamini had six cubs in March. Consequently, Kuno National Park now has 26 cheetahs, including cubs.

Nevertheless, since March, the project saw the loss of seven adult cheetahs, including three females and four males, with deaths due to various causes.