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Cheetah Reintroduction in India
Cheetah Reintroduction in India
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Cheetah Reintroduction in India
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Cheetahs set to race into Madhya Pradesh, lion sharing now on snail's track?
AHMEDABAD: Cheetahs, the planet's fastest land animals, are set to make a grand entry in India as eight animals will be brought from South Africa to be reintroduced in the Kuno-Palpur of Madhya Pradesh. This was confirmed by M K Ranjitsinh, head of the Supreme Court appointed committee to assist the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for cheetah reintroduction in India. Gujarat is rejoicing in MP's gain. In fact, the state government which was ordered in 2014 by the apex court to part with its pride--the Asiatic lions--for translocation in Kuno-Palpur is understood to be colossally relieved by the Union environment ministry's recent decision of reintroducing cheetahs in MP. "The news about cheetahs finding a home in Kuno-Palpur will come as a breather for the Gujarat government for at least a decade," a Gujarat forest department officer said. A Wildlife Institute of India expert said, "Lions can be let into Kuno-Palpur only after the cheetahs have had two litters." The expert added, "We believe that the lions can now be translocated to Kuno-Palpur only after a decade because early introduction of lions can prove detrimental to the process of settling the cheetahs in." It needs mention that the Gujarat government was told to translocate some lions from the Gir sanctuary following a Supreme Court order in April 2014. However, the state had demanded that all relevant studies of the International Union for Conservation of Nature be considered first to obtain clarity on the translocation guidelines. This demand was raised in a meeting of the committee formed by the apex court in 2014. Translocation of lions: It’s advantage Gujarat Gujarat’s principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) at the time, C N Pandey, had pressed for the examination of the guidelines. Since then, the Gujarat government has been consistently bringing up minute aspects of the translocation process in the meetings. The lions had been saved so far from any movement outside Gujarat as they were well protected in the thickets of bureaucratic minutiae. Lion experts indicated that Gujarat now has some advantage in the translocation battle. “Had lions been introduced first in Kuno-Palpur, it would not have been easy to introduce cheetahs,” an expert said. “But now that cheetahs are being introduced, lions can be moved in only when the cheetah population stabilizes.” In 2018, Gujarat forest minister Ganpat Vasava had said: “We are actively considering shifting lions to Barda Dungar, the alternative site in Gujarat cleared by the Wildlife Institute of India.” Vasava had gone on to say: “But the Gujarat government is not in favour of sending lions outside the state. The CM and the cabinet are clear that there cannot be translocation of the lions.” https://m.timesofindia.com/city/ahmedabad/cheetahs-set-to-race-into-madhya-pradesh-lion-sharing-now-on-snails-track/articleshow/83357741.cms
Preparing to settle extinct cheetahs:In Kuno, a special enclosure of 5 sq km is being made to threaten cheetahs with 70 leopards, will protect against current fencing
Preparations have intensified in the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary located in Sheapur district of Madhya Pradesh to resettle the cheetahs that went extinct 74 years ago from the country. A special enclosure is being built in Kuno to protect the five pairs of cheetahs being brought from South Africa in November. It will be given triple security cover. In fact, there are 70 leopards in the Koona-Palpur Sanctuary spread over 768 square kilometers and these can become the biggest threat to the cheetahs. If leopards and cheetahs clash, then the plan to increase the population of cheetahs in India may be in jeopardy. For this reason, African cheetahs will be kept in a 5 square kilometer enclosure near Purani Garhi in Palpur. It will not only be covered with chain link fencing but to avoid entry of outside animals mainly leopards, the solar fencing system will be on the outer edge of this enclosure. The specialty of this system is that when any wildlife or hunter touches it, it will get a strong shock of current. rest| on page 6 Cheetah was declared extinct in 1952 The Government of India officially declared the cheetah extinct in 1952. Earlier in 1947, the carcasses of three cheetahs were found in Chhattisgarh, which were hunted by the king there, since then cheetahs have not been seen anywhere in India. In 1958, the then minister of Chhattisgarh Ramchandra Singhdeo claimed to have seen cheetahs in Korea, but there is no picture of it. In the last two decades, there was a lot of discussion about resettling cheetahs in India, but its concrete plan was prepared by the Government of India in 2009. It is expected that by the end of 2021, the roar of cheetahs will be heard again on the soil of India. Suitable environment for cheetahs in Kuno Kuno Palpur was considered suitable for cheetahs because it has a large number of herbivorous wildlife with flat grasslands. With dense forest, large area is favorable for cheetahs. For a long time, the plan to settle the Asiatic Lion was being worked on, but it did not happen. Now with the arrival of cheetah, this sanctuary will become the most important in the country. - Dr. MK Ranjit Singh, Forest and Environment Specialist Translated from google https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/gwalior/news/in-kuna-a-special-enclosure-of-5-sq-km-is-being-made-to-threaten-cheetahs-with-70-leopards-will-protect-against-current-fencing-128590415.html?fbclid=IwAR3MlbVXYYJMj2CrIUJEULUFtjDBxJ6RDRc1R3PUDUFa0TItks4x8MJMl7U
Indian wildlife team to visit African Savannah in July to train in relocating cheetah to MP's Kuno National Park
Delayed by over a decade, the government's plans to reintroduce cheetah into the Indian wildlife is likely to gain pace as an Indian team heads to African Savannah for the first set of basic training in July. The team will learn about handling the cheetah population set to be relocated to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park by the end of the year. Speaking to IndiaToday.in, Prakash Kumar Verma, district forest officer, Kuno National Park, said that the training had been delayed due to the ongoing second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. "The India team is likely to go to Africa to learn about handling, breeding, rehabilitation, medical treatment and conservation of the animal once the Covid-led situation normalises and the lockdown is further eased by next month," Verma said. The team is likely to be comprised of members from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, doctors and veterinarian from the Kuna national park along with the staff that will take care of the cheetahs once they are relocated to the sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. During the first phase of the training, the Indian team will visit the Savannah, the natural habitat of the African cheetah, and get a feel of the environment in the open grasslands where the animal preys in its natural habitat. "Following the completion of the training, a team from Africa will visit Kuno and train the team further with respect to the local geography and Indian requirements," Verma added. A decade-long project Dubbed as the first such project where a large carnivore is being relocated across continents, the project has faced several hurdles since its inception in 2009. The Asiatic cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952 after Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh Deo shot the last offspring of the species in 1947. Considered among the top predators, with African cheetah relocation, the government aims to restore the threatened ecosystem and conserve the species in India. The Supreme Court had initially denied permission for the massive movement. However, in January 2020, while hearing a petition filed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the apex court directed to choose the habitat carefully after examining if the animal can adapt to Indian conditions. Upgraded in 2018, the Kuno National Park is spread over an area of over 750 square kilometres. With a population of Chinkara, Spotted Deer and Blackbuck, on which the carnivores would prey, the area was found most conducive for the relocation. Officials in the national park have been working to create an environment conducive to African Cheetah. The relocation is one of the biggest pilot projects in Indian wildlife conservation in the new decade. https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/african-cheetah-relocation-mp-kuno-national-park-indian-wildlife-1814542-2021-06-14
Royal meal preparation for African cheetahs:Bricks of clay, jaggery and salt are ready, chital, sambar and rabbit will come in the enclosure to lick them
Preparations are being made to provide royal food for African cheetahs in the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary. In the forests of Africa, cheetahs feed by hunting chausingha, black deer and other herbivorous wildlife of similar size, but in the Kuna Sanctuary, they will be replaced by chital, sambar, rabbit and wild boar. To attract them to the enclosure being built for the cheetahs, special bricks prepared with a mixture of friable soil, salt and jaggery will be kept in place in the enclosure. Along with this, Mahua and green grass will also be kept. Experts believe that chitals and other herbivorous wildlife will come to the enclosure to lick them. All gates will be kept open before the cheetahs are brought into the enclosure. For a few days these wildlife will keep coming and going in the enclosure to lick the bricks. According to Kuna Sanctuary DFO PK Verma, a special type of friable soil is found in the forest, which is licked by herbivorous wildlife. It contains moisture and also calcium. Bricks have been made by mixing salt and jaggery with this soil. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/gwalior/news/bricks-of-clay-jaggery-and-salt-are-ready-chital-sambar-and-rabbit-will-come-in-the-enclosure-to-lick-them-128643303.html
Cheetahs will grow in Kuno National Park:For cheetahs, 5 blocks will be built in 5 sq km, each cheetah will be under the surveillance of the camera
Royal preparations are underway for the 8 African cheetahs (5 males and 3 females) to meet in the last week of November or the first week of December in the Kuno National Park. A 5 sq km enclosure is being prepared for these cheetahs. There will be a radius of one square kilometer for each cheetah. But these cheetahs will not be kept together in this enclosure. For these 5 blocks will be made. One male cheetah will be kept in each block. Three female cheetahs will be kept alternately with the male cheetah. This is so that conflicts do not arise during breeding. Apart from this, the second consignment of cheetahs received from South Africa after a year will be given to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary of Mandsaur and Nauradehi instead of Kuno. Here, fifty cheetahs will be found from Africa in five years. Translated from google https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/gwalior/sheour/news/for-cheetahs-5-blocks-will-be-built-in-5-sq-km-each-cheetah-will-be-under-the-surveillance-of-the-camera-128643280.html
Bhopal: To learn how to take care of cheetahs, six-member team from Palpur Kuno Sanctuary to visit Africa in September
A six-member team of forest officials from the Palpur Kuno Sanctuary will be sent to Africa to learn how to take care of these animals. The team will leave for Africa in September. The team slated to go to Africa comprises members from Kuno Sanctuary, where cheetahs will be brought as part of the translocation plan. The team will spend over 20 days there learning how to take care of the wild cats in different situations. Also part of the team is a veterinary doctor who will be trained exclusively in medical issues related to cheetahs. He will be posted at Kuno Sanctuary after the team’s return and will keep the animals under observation. Chief conservator of forests (CCF), wildlife, Alok Kumar confirmed that the list of names of the team members had been sent to the representatives in the Union government. The team would leave in September, he added. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has set the deadline for bringing cheetahs to Madhya Pradesh latest by November. A team of experts from Africa will come with along with the cheetahs and remain in the sanctuary for about three months to take care of them, besides training the staff members. Over a dozen cheetahs are expected to come to Kuno Sanctuary. Although the exact number of cheetahs to be brought here has not been finalized, forest officials say that they are still negotiating with the organisations in Africa and trying to increase the numbers. All arrangements have been made for cheetah introduction at the Palpur Kuno Sanctuary, including separation of the area where the wild cats will be kept. That area will be surrounded by a specially designed fence to keep the cheetah confined and safe from dangers. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-to-learn-how-to-take-care-of-cheetahs-six-member-team-from-palpur-kuno-sanctuary-to-visit-africa-in-september?fbclid=IwAR38aLo2Jm1r9lqMGYKpAOrcRIoLLGQ3Stukn56jQDoxsycqO3R2_xJgb_8
Coming November, cheetah will be in the heart of India
BHOPAL: This will send your heart racing. Cheetahs will again run wild in India -- for the first time since Independence --as 20 of the majestic cats will be introduced here from Africa in November this year. Kuno National Park, in ‘Hindustan ka Dil’, will be cheetah country, and this may be the year when Madhya Pradesh, which already has the tags of ‘Tiger and Leopard State’ also gets the cheetah crown – and the ‘spot’light. Madhya Pradesh forest minister Vijay Shah announced this at an event at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal on Tuesday evening. “Ten male and 10 female cheetahs will be flown from South Africa to Gwalior in two phases in November. From there, they will be sent by road to Kuno in Sheopur district (about 150km),” Shah said. He released a mascot, ‘Chintu Cheetah’, to raise awareness on the Kuno National Park Cheetah Restoration Project at the closing ceremony of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava’ at Van Vihar. Maintenance of 20 cheetahs for five years is estimated to cost Rs 75 crore, which the forest department has arranged with the help of petroleum companies, the minister said. The last cheetah in the country died in Chhattisgarh in 1947 and it was declared extinct in India in 1952. The cheetah reintroduction project is a long cherished dream in the country, with many states vying for the honour. In 2019, Supreme Court had approved a proposal from National Tiger Conservation Authority to experimentally introduce African cheetahs in Indian jungles. The project has raced through the last few months. In March, experts from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) undertook a monthlong survey of Kuno wildlife sanctuary. By then, WII had already concluded that cheetahs can be reintroduced at all the surveyed sites in MP with appropriate ‘investments’, and that Kuno is “ready” for immediate reintroduction, with the least investment. In January, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan presided over a meeting on the project, where officials said that Kuno would be the best bet as the 750sqkm park has only one village, which was already being relocated. Apart from Kuno, the 1,200sqkm Nauradehi sanctuary (MP’s largest) was also judged to be conducive for cheetah relocation but Kuno ticked more boxes. Gandhi Sagar-Chittorgarh-Bhainsrodgarh sanctuary in Rajasthan had also been surveyed. Kuno was chosen for the Gir lion translocation earlier. Wouldn’t that be an awesome ‘foursome’ for MP. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/coming-november-cheetah-will-be-in-the-heart-of-india/articleshow/84395876.cms
Suitable environment in Hadoti, but the government did not send the proposal, send the proposal this month so 4 cheetahs may shift to Mukandra next year
The central government is working on the project of re-establishing cheetah in the country after 74 years. For this, a survey was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India in many states in the past. In this, Mukandra reserve of Hadaati and Shergarh area of Baran were considered suitable for cheetah settlement. Despite this, the state lagged behind in the settlement of cheetah, because the state government did not send proposals to the center. Now eight cheetahs will be settled in Kuna National Park of MP. However, experts believe that it is still not too late. If the state government sends a proposal to the central government this month, Mukandra can get four cheetahs by next year. This issue was also discussed in the 12th meeting of the State Wildlife Board chaired by the Chief Minister on Thursday. In the meeting, Forest Minister Sukhram Vishnai has asked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlet to bring a cheetah to Mukandra. The Chief Minister is the convention in this matter. In the meeting, MLA Bharat Singh raised the demand to settle a cheetah in Hadaiti. Mukandra is in the race to settle the cheetah for the last 11 years. This was the first survey in the country. According to WII Senior Scientist YV Jhala, who was part of the team that surveyed Mukandra and Shergarh, the biggest obstacle in the settlement of cheetah in Hadaati is the pre-base. The state government and wildlife department will have to pay special attention to this. Discussion on bringing cheetah to Mukandra in the meeting of Wildlife Board, Chief Minister Gehlot agreed Expert View It is necessary to remove village from Mukandra and increase pre-base - RN Mehretra (Retired PCCF and NTCA expert) The decision to settle the cheetah has been taken according to the guidelines of the Supreme Court. According to the current preparations, it is only right. The rough terrain is also good, but the lack of pre-base has made it a problem. If non-vegetarian wildlife is to be increased, then attention will have to be paid to the relation of villages of Pre-Base and Mukandra. Because cheetah is not afraid of humans. This friendly behavior can become a danger to it. It is expected that cheetah can be settled in Rajasthan in the second phase. According to the survey report, Mukandra is suitable for cheetah settlement. analysis Dr. Krishnaendra Singh Nama The Wildlife Institute of India has established Mukandra Hills Tiger Reserve, Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary in addition to MP for cheetah settlement in the country. In Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuno National Park, Madhav National Park and Nairadehi Wildlife Sanctuary survey was done. In the survey report, along with telling everyone's flaws, suggestions were also given. Mukandra: It is necessary to remove cattle Drawbacks : 80 sq km enclosure considered suitable for cheetah settlement. The pre-base is fine in the enclosure, but not in the Mukandra. There is a problem with the pressure of the cattle. Suggestion: Relocation of villages is necessary. Be an underpass for wildlife. The boundary of the enclosure should be extended up to Jhalawar. Pre-base evaluation. Released in 200 Black-Buck, 150 Chinkara and 350 Cheetal enclosures. Develop part of the territorial area of Chittargarh and Bhainsargarh Century as an inter-state cheetah conservation landscape. Shergarh Century: Lack of Pre-Base Drawbacks : Pre-base is less visible here, which needs 5 years to increase. Suggestion: There should be a relation of the villages settled in the century. Acquisition of plateau area is necessary. Fencing of 250 sq km area is necessary. 200 to 300 Cheetal, Chinkara and Blackbuck should be released. Gandhisagar: Security will have to be increased Drawbacks: There is a shortage of staff. Field staff is not trend. Lack of pre-base, no enclosure either. Suggestion: Anti-patching training should be given to the staff. Extend pre-base and create enclosure. Will send 5 males and 3 females D. from Africa Rianna Turner, Cheetah Conservator and Wildlife Expert In southern Africa, cheetahs live in the lowlands and deserts of the Kalahari, the savannas of the Okavango Delta and the grasslands of the Transvaal region. At the same time, in Namibia, cheetahs are mostly found in farms. This species is found only in the Northern Province, Kalahari, apart from the remote areas and Cape Province. They hide themselves in tall grass. From here 8 cheetahs will be shifted to Kuno National Park in MP. Cheetahs from South Africa will be translocated to India more than a decade after the Indian government first proposed it in 2010. 5 males and 3 females will be provided by the Cheetah Wildlife Trust (EWT) of South Africa. It is better to settle the Asiatic Cheetah Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Dr. According to Sitaram Tager, it is clear in the manual of IUCN that wherever the species was found, it can be resettled at that place. Asiatic cheetah species was first found in India. According to him it should have been brought. Bringing African Cheetah is not advisable according to the IUCN. the Cheetah Corridor to be built of 524.44 sq km Corridor will be developed in Hadaiti in 524.44 sq.km for cheetah habitat. In this, the area of Shergarh, Jhalawar, the area of Mukandra and the forest section of Bhainsredgarh Sanctuary and its surroundings will be added. -Anurag Bhatnagar, ACF Wildlife Will try to increase pre-base Government of India gives permission for Cheetah Translocate. We have sent the file for this. The committee has given suggestions from Dehradun. They will have a crib. Will try soon for pre-base in Mukandra. Sukhram Vishnai, Forest Minister, Government of Rajasthan Will try to bring cheetah this year I wish that this year the cheetah should come from Africa. Otherwise, it will come in January next year. In the first phase, 8 to 12 cheetahs will come. Will try to bring 4 cheetahs to Mukandra. - Dr. YV Jhala, Dean and Project Principal Investigator, WII the Focus on increasing the grassland for cheetahs in Coona - Prakash Kumar Verma, DCF Kuno National Park We are trying since 2003 to increase the pre-base in Kuno. For this reason, the first Asiatic lions were settled here and now the cheetah will come. Voluntary relocation of 24 villages has been done from here. This is our biggest achievement. In the area of relation, about 62 to 63 sq km area was cultivated. We have developed open grassland here. We regularly visited the Grassland Scientist here. Translated from google https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/...09724.html
Cheetah will come to Shergarh Sanctuary:Cheetah will come here after kuno in 20 sq km of Shergarh Sanctuary, there is movement of three panthers now
Preparations are on to give a boom to tourism in the country and the state. It has a special focus on wildlife tourism with historical and natural sites. Due to the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists in Baran, preparations are being made to bring African Cheetah to Shergarh located in Atru of the district. We have started preparing grasslands for cheetahs in 20 sq km of Barapati, Kishanpura and Amlavada of Shergarh Sanctuary. Along with this, a plan is being made to shift the pre-base i.e. chital, chinkara etc. wildlife here. Cheetah will be brought from Africa to Shergarh in the country after the Kuno National Park in nearby MP. A few months ago, the WII team described the conditions here as cheetah friendly. Since then, preparations are in full swing here. African Cheetah is being brought to the Kuno National Park in MP's adjoining Baran this year. Shergarh Sanctuary also had a claim for African cheetah. The WII team visited here and described the conditions as favorable. In such a situation, there will be grasslands in 20 sq km in Barapati, Kishanpura and Amlavada. Along with this, plans are also being made for pre-base shifting like Chinkara, Chital etc. In such a situation, it is expected that after Kuno, Cheetah will be released in Shergarh of Baran in the coming time. Due to which domestic and foreign tourists can reach here. In the next phase, Shergarh Sanctuary, ACF Anurag Bhatnagar, who is preparing for cheetah in Shergarh, said that cheetah is coming to Kuno sanctuary in the country. In the next phase, all preparations are being made to bring cheetah to Shergarh. Here grasslands are being developed at Barapati, Kishanpura and Amlavada. Along with this, concrete walls will be constructed around the villages. The WII team, which reached here, has described the environment as friendly to the cheetah. There are also black deer, chital, chinkara. In the coming time, work will also be done regarding pre-base shifting. Development work is going on in Shergarh Abhiyan. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/kota/baran/news/cheetah-will-come-here-after-kuno-in-20-sq-km-of-shergarh-sanctuary-there-is-movement-of-three-panthers-now-128740658.html?fbclid=IwAR1blc_qIHcamnLoWscbhtV6ac3C_c3HfHW8PvWvjFe1hmhchj5bbygjUVc Translated from google
80 Cheetals released in Gandhisagar Century: Cheetals are being released to build a pre-base for hunting cheetahs, 132 cheetals were released this month, plans are being made to bring cheetahs in the century
The work of bringing cheetahs has been expedited by the Forest Department in Gandhisagar Sanctuary, bordering Chittorgarh. Due to which chitals are being caught and released here by Boma method. On Thursday also 80 cheetals were released here. On Thursday, 80 cheetals were released at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, adjoining the Chittorgarh border. Preparations are being made so that cheetahs can reside here. These cheetahs have been released to make prey-base for cheetah hunting. This campaign had started in January itself, but due to Corona, the campaign was put on hold. Now the campaign has been started again as soon as the corona cases are reduced The campaign was started from January, Corona took a break A campaign was started to bring cheetahs to Gandhisagar Forest Sanctuary and to feed them from Nrisinghgarh Sanctuary. In March, the campaign was stopped in view of the increasing case of Corona. On Thursday, 80 cheetals were released in the forests of Gandhisagar. This is the second consignment after Corona. So far in this month, 132 chitals have been released in Gandhisagar Forest Sanctuary. Ranger Patralal Raikwar said that at the first government level, this century was inspected by well-known experts of the country, during which they had described it as friendly and safe for cheetahs. Under this, chital is being settled here. Superintendent S. Of. Atole said that since January, 196 cheetals have been released in Gandhisagar Century. boma method shifting Ranger Patralal Raikwar said that the cheetals were shifted by Boma method. In this, the cheetals were first fed in about 20 to 50 acres. After getting accustomed to eating at the same place for about 10 days, this area was faced. After that this area was gradually reduced. After this, they were caught by putting a cage. Rawatbhata area and Gandhisagar century were considered suitable for cheetahs Recently, some expert teams had visited Rawatbhata area and Gandhi Sagar Century area of the district. During this time he considered the best place for cheetah. Even though the cheetah will be released in the Gandhisagar Century, it will have its territory till Rawatbhata. Eco tourism will increase, villagers will get employment With the introduction of cheetahs, eco-tourism will also increase in Rawatbhata area. At the same time the environment will also benefit. If tourists come to the area, then the local villagers will also get new employment opportunities. On one side Mukundara National Park and on the other side in Gandhisagar Century, Panther, Tiger along with Cheetah will also be seen. The region is home to a large number of deer and other wildlife which are good prey for panthers, tigers and cheetahs. This is a favorable condition for their growth and expansion. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/...84840.html
African cheetahs in Kuno-Palpur: Have we assessed disease risks well
The forest minister of Madhya Pradesh had announced in July that 10 male and 10 female cheetahs will be flown from South Africa to Gwalior in two phases in November. They will then be sent by road to the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, he added. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952 after extensive hunting wiped out their populations. The Supreme Court in January last year, ordered that: African cheetahs should be introduced on an experimental basis in a careful [sic] chosen habitat and nurtured to see whether it can adapt to the Indian conditions. The order was passed in response to an application filed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) seeking permission to “introduce cheetahs from Africa to suitable sites in India”. As of now, it seems like Kuno-Palpur is the site finalised for the plan. Experts have routinely flagged concerns like viability, necessity and cost associated with the cheetah re-introduction plan. However, an under-discussed issue is disease risk. When animals are being introduced to a landscape, there is a risk of disease spread to both the individual animals that are being introduced and to the wildlife species which inhabit the site chosen for reintroduction (Kuno, in this case). Diligence is essentially the top priority to ensure that the 20 cheetahs are healthy and to minimise the risk of introducing a new pathogen into the Kuno landscape. According to re-introduction guidelines by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), “no translocated organisms can be entirely free of infection with micro-organisms or parasites, with consequent risk of their spread.” Hence, the guideline states, disease risk assessment should ideally begin at the planning stage. A precautionary approach Karthikeyan Vasudevan, a scientist at Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, pointed to ‘stressors’ during transit which can increase the possibility of disease spread. “You bring animals in by flight or ships and then keep them in completely strange environments … these can act as triggers which amplify subliminal infections,” he said. The IUCN guidelines too note that the process of disease development may be “promoted by the stress of unfamiliar or unnatural conditions of confinement, especially during the translocation process.” This could occur because of a host of reasons like poor transport containers, inadequate disease prevention protocols and long durations of travel. Abi T Vanak, fellow, DBT / Wellcome Trust India Alliance Program (Intermediate Clinical and Public Health Fellowship), said: As with any other carnivore in India, (the 20 cheetahs) will likely be exposed to CDV (canine distemper virus) from free-ranging domestic dogs as well as diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis and infection from the feline leukaemia virus, particularly under captive conditions. Feline infectious peritonitis virus circulates in domestic and feral cat populations and, like CDV, it is a risk to the individuals that are being introduced. Aniruddha Belsare, a disease ecologist and modeler said cheetahs are “highly susceptible” to feline infectious peritonitis virus. But what makes the problem particularly worse is the fact that India does not have baseline data about the prevalence of this virus in cat populations in the country. Belsare said the possibility of the 20 cheetahs being infected with diseases prevalent in the Kuno landscape is “an important consideration”. But unfortunately, India does not have enough baseline info for potential spillover pathogens. The 20 cheetahs could also pose a risk of diseases such as prion disease to other animals in the Kuno landscape, Vasudevan said. He noted that assessments ought to be made to know whether livestock in Kuno could affected by prion disease. SP Yadav, member secretary at the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) said the re-introduction programme “will take all measures of disease screening of animals being brought into India as well as vaccinate them against diseases prevalent in India.” He said the 20 cheetahs will be specifically vaccinated against CDV. This reporter asked him about risks from other diseases like feline infectious peritonitis and infection from feline leukaemia virus. “Competent international veterinarians are involved in the cheetah re-introduction,” he said. Path ahead India needs thorough disease screening processes and protocols for managing threats from infections as part of the cheetah re-introduction plans. This is especially so, IUCN guidelines state, when the distance between source and destination sites (South Africa and India, in this case) is substantial. Putting in place such processes and protocols “may take longer than the time stipulated for the scheduled arrival and release of the cheetahs but it is necessary,” Vasudevan said. Also, such processes and protocols ought to be designed for the long-term. While the initial stages of the re-introduction programme may be relatively risk free, “as populations become free-ranging and potentially increase contact with human-dominated landscapes, the risks of contracting disease from domestic animals will also increase,” Vanak said. More importantly, Vasudevan noted how the agenda should ideally have been “the conservation of cheetahs and not the conservation of cheetahs in India — a plan that might have some pitfalls (like disease risk).” https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/african-cheetahs-in-kuno-palpur-have-we-assessed-disease-risks-well-78497?fbclid=IwAR0Sn2y689kYknKJ2IYccXyob-bXFQd8HB6rRERazaIZtS2e5sJ4j9uN-qQ
Cheetah project in pause mode due to South Africa violence
BHOPAL: A spate of riots and violence in South Africa has slowed down the process of translocating cheetahs to India, but officials of Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh - their proposed new home - are going ahead with their preparations and have even got help from a rather unlikely ally. Surrendered dacoits like Ramesh Singh Sikarwar have promised help to the forest department in tackling poachers and convincing villagers in favour of the project that the world will be watching. It's, after all, the world's first inter-continent Cheetah translocation. The MP government hoped to receive the 12 cheetahs in November this year, but the project is going through a pause phase due to the situation in South Africa. A team of wildlife experts from India that was expected to visit South Africa and Namibia has been asked to withhold their journey due to the recent violence there. "Businesses owned by Indians and Indian-origin South Africans were targeted during the violence which erupted after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma in July. Since Indians were attacked, officers who were scheduled to fly for the meeting had to postpone trip," said an officer. Insurgency in neighbouring Mozambique - which abuts Kruger National Park was also an issue, he said. The team has rescheduled their visit for mid-September. "There will be a meeting of the project core team before we go there," said the officer. The ministry of forests and environment is in talks with the IAF to fly the cheetahs the 8,000km to India. "It's a long journey and we don't want the wild animals to be stressed. We will try to land them at a nearby airport, Shivpuri (30km) or Gwalior (140km)," an officer said. In Madhya Pradesh, recent floods in the Chambal region have also slowed down progress. "The roads inside Kuno sanctuary have been damaged by flood and incessant rain. We are facing difficulties in transporting equipment," said another IFS officer involved in the project. https://m.timesofindia.com/city/bhopal/cheetah-project-in-pause-mode-due-to-south-africa-violence/articleshow/85418710.cms?fbclid=IwAR05ab2oC3DhQcKOyoNe87v31qfBtRyvUi98As3wwK6IIOlUVnAqVftTy_Y
This is also an effect of Corona: For cheetahs, Gandhisagar will now have to wait till 2024, because only 196 cheetals out of 750 arrived.
Will have to wait till 2024 to see cheetahs in Mandsaur's Gandhisagar Sanctuary. The Forest Department considered Gandhisagar suitable for the settlement of cheetahs from Africa. Before settling the cheetahs, the government started bringing cheetals from Narsinghgarh in November 2020 for their food. Due to Corona and other reasons, not enough chitals have been able to shift so far. In such a situation, cheetahs will be settled in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary by the end of this year in the first phase. Gandhisagar will now get a chance in the second phase. According to experts, cheetahs are likely to arrive in Gandhisagar by 2024. Gandhisagar Sanctuary is spread over an area of 368.62 sq.km. In this, 181 sq km is spread in Mandsaur and 187 sq km is spread in Neemuch district. Considering Gandhisagar to be safe, the Madhya Pradesh government and forest department surveyed the forest areas of the state last year and considered Gandhisagar suitable for cheetahs to settle in. For the habitat of cheetahs, grasslands like Africa were found here. In Gandhisagar, only their favorite food for cheetahs was the lack of cheetal and the Rajasthan border was found open. To overcome this shortcoming, the government had started the campaign to shift Chital Gandhisagar from Nrisinghgarh Century from November 2020. Approval was given to shift first 500 and later 750 cheetals. But only 196 cheetals have been able to shift to Gandhisagar. Only 20 km of boundary wall has been constructed on the Rajasthan border. Here the government is preparing to bring cheetahs from Africa in November and December. In such a situation, if the availability of food is less, Gandhisagar will be able to get cheetahs in the second phase. In the first phase, cheetahs will be settled in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. Delay due to rain- Rajneesh Singh from Wildlife Bhopal told that catching chital is not easy. Captured by Boma method. First, it is getting difficult to work in the forest during the rainy season. There is so much mud in the forest that it is difficult to even walk there. Even after this, the best efforts have been made in MP. Efforts are being made for a year to settle chital in Bharatpur of Rajasthan, till now no success has been achieved. In Gandhisagar, 65 cheetals have been released in the first 6 times and in the present three days 132 cheetals have been released. Plan of 18 cheetahs in Kuno - Singh told that how many cheetahs will be brought is not decided. It was decided to bring 8 cheetahs before the government level, after that 12 cheetahs are currently being considered for bringing about 18 cheetahs. Getting ready by the end of the year. Will start bringing chital to Gandhisagar soon Singh told that the rain has stopped, we are trying to catch the cheetal. In Mandsaur, 500 chitals are to be brought from Nrisinghgarh and 250 chitals from Bhopal Century. In late September or October, chital catching will accelerate. Efforts are being made to release 750 cheetals in the sanctuary this year. 20 km boundary wall built: The boundary wall is being constructed towards the Rajasthan border. This will secure grazing, grass. Now 20 km boundary wall has been made, remaining 44 km will be constructed soon. The work of bringing chital is being done from the government level, so nothing can be said about it. Pannalal Raikwar, Ranger, Gandhisagar. Translated from google https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/ratlam/...6852545608
Experts liked Mukandra's grassland, Kota can get 4 Cheetahs
Along with the Kuno of MP, the possibilities of settling cheetah in Mukandra are also strong. If permission is obtained from the central and state government, then 3-4 cheetahs can be settled here this year. According to the Wildlife Institute of India, 12 cheetahs will come to the country from Africa this year. Expert of South Africa and Cheetah of India Dr. Experts along with Wilson have visited the 82 hectare enclosure of Mukandra Tiger Reserve. It is being told that he has considered the grassland here suitable for cheetah. At the same time, WWI scientists have described Mukandra's enclosure as better for Cheetah. In this, it has been said to settle cheetah and tigers in the outside area. Here two wildlife can live together. According to experts, the enclosure area is not as favorable for tigers as it is for cheetahs. This is a grassland area, which is a good habitat for cheetahs. Whereas tigers can easily live in the area outside the enclosure. Senior Scientist at Wildlife Institute of India Prof. YV Jhala said that in the meeting of the Wildlife Board recently, there was a discussion about translocating cheetah in Mukandra. He told that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlet has also taken the matter seriously. But, it is necessary to study the tiger and cheetah living together. The lack of Pre-Base may again come in the way . YV Jhala told that setting up of cheetah in Rajasthan will be a great achievement. This will strengthen tourism along with employment. Along with this, conservation of extinct wild species will be available from India. He told that the areas of Bhainsargarh and Chittorgarh are also considered good for cheetah. But, it is not appropriate to shift the cheetah right now. Right now there is a lack of pre-base. Also there is other work to be done. But, Mukandra's enclosure is better. A total of 12 cheetahs will come to India this year. Experts from South Africa who are leading India's Cheetah project have visited Mukandra. They are very happy to see this area. If the permission of the State and Central Government is obtained, then this year three to four cheetahs can be shifted to Mukandra. - Pvt. YV Jhala, Senior Scientist, Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/...76953.html
Madhya Pradesh to auction filming right of cheetahs in the wild
NEW DELHI: India is yet to reintroduce cheetah into the wild, but the Madhya Pradesh government already has big plans for it. Getting ready for eight of these big cats from South Africa, the state is also thinking of auctioning rights to film the conservation programme of cheetahs it is going to launch. If things go according to plans, Madhya Pradesh will receive five male and three female cheetahs from South Africa around November. They will be released in the Kuno National Park. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952 following excessive killing As of now, the state government has decided that filming rights of this conservation work will be auctioned starting from a base price of Rs 42 lakh. It has given a global call to grant exclusive rights to the highest bidder. This comes at a time when concerns have been raised by experts about introducing cheetahs in Kuno. The MP government, working under the supervision of National Tiger Conservation Authority on this project, said the selected agency will be allowed to film the arrival of cheetahs and their soft release into enclosures in Kuno. It added that cheetahs can also be filmed when they are actually released in the wild. Authorities said the purpose of allowing comprehensive documentation of this landmark programme is to share all information in public domain for education, training, research and awareness. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/sep/03/madhya-pradesh-to-auction-filming-right-of-cheetahs-in-the-wild-2353613.html . |
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