Cheetah Reintroduction in India

[Matias]

It is very important to know the source of the cheetahs, which has a huge impact on their ability to adapt and survive in the new area. Relocated animals experience high levels of stress, even if they have adequate habitat and plentiful prey. It would be nice to find answers to this question. A little over a year ago 4 male cheetahs were reintroduced in Bangweulu Wetlands (Zambia) and 3 did not adapt and perished. It's a game of trial and error and we must expect the worst before having the best. To strengthen this process, the most appropriate, excluding ecological issues, are animals with strong family ties, with no history of predation on domestic animals and conflicts with humans of any kind. What should be sought at first is that this initial group survives and remains in Kuno, even if only a few individuals survive. "If the plan is to relocate 14 cheetahs, they will all be released, none will have to remain in the boma any longer than necessary." I fear that in this process, some dose of domestication may be negatively affected.


It is very complex to know when we can say that a relocated animal has adapted, for many this happens when puppies reach adulthood. For others, it is only over generations that something concrete and permanent is established in the landscape, and ecological indicators are fully identified in the living area of the resettled. Indian professionals should establish a preventive and corrective mitigation strategy where all individuals will be monitored (radiocollared). Another point is that Kuno would be just the first metapopulation in evolution, and new reintroductions and introductions should be part of this complex process that will be to have this animal once again part of the predator network in India.


The spotlight will shine for Kuno if this adaptation is successful, but we must understand that we must wait a long time before recognizing that this reintroduction has been beneficial to the ecosystem and people. The tourist appeal must not override the science of conservation. Furthermore, it will be a great experience...success or failure many will draw valuable lessons that can be used in the conservation of other local predators, as an indication of improved habitat management. Reply