In a significant stride towards the reintroduction of cheetahs in India, officials have announced plans to release five to eight cheetahs into a fenced area within the Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative, part of Project Cheetah, aims to bolster breeding efforts and restore the population of this iconic species in the country’s wilderness.

A delegation from South Africa arrived in India to assess the preparations at Gandhisagar for the introduction of cheetahs and to review the progress of the project in the Kuno National Park. During their visit to the Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, officials from South Africa were briefed on the preparations underway to accommodate the cheetahs. Insights were shared while inspecting the bomas, control room, and upcoming veterinary facilities, as reported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Following the visit, discussions between Indian and South African officials in New Delhi centered on enhancing collaboration in species conservation, particularly focused on Project Cheetah. The ambitious endeavor seeks to reintroduce the cheetah, the only large carnivore species that went extinct in independent India.

Officials associated with the project revealed that the release of cheetahs into the fenced area in Gandhisagar is slated for the second half of the year, likely after the monsoon season. A 64 square-km enclosure is being prepared within the sanctuary, which spans approximately 368 square km with an additional 2,500 sq km surrounding area. The fenced area is situated within a protected area (PA), with plans to gradually release the animals into free-ranging conditions after ecological restoration and prey recovery.

The long-term vision outlined by the Union Environment Ministry aims to establish a metapopulation of cheetahs in the Kuno-Gandhisagar landscape, spanning an area of around 9,000 square km, with an estimated population of 60-70 individuals. This goal hinges on restorative measures, prey availability, and scientific management being ensured.

The current action plan, derived from earlier frameworks and tailored to the site-specific requirements of Gandhisagar, aligns with the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on reintroductions and conservation translocations (2013). Project Cheetah has garnered attention for its efforts to revive the cheetah population in India. The first batch of eight cheetahs was introduced in September 2022, followed by a second batch of 12 cheetahs from South Africa in February last year.

Despite initial criticism over the deaths of some cheetahs, officials highlight positive developments, particularly the birth of 12 cubs this year. Namibian cheetah Aasha and another female, Jwala, both gave birth to three cubs each in January. Jwala had previously delivered four cubs, albeit with only one surviving. South African cheetah Gamini added to the tally with the birth of six cubs in March, bringing the total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno to 26.

However, the project has faced setbacks, with the deaths of seven adult cheetahs since March last year. The fatalities, attributed to various reasons, underscore the challenges associated with reintroducing a species into a new environment.

Despite these setbacks, Project Cheetah remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring the cheetah population in India. With ongoing efforts to address challenges and enhance conservation measures, the project signifies a significant step towards safeguarding the future of this iconic species in the country’s wilderness.