Cheetah Translocation Concerns in India
A recent study by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) raises concerns about the translocation of African cheetahs to India, focusing on ethical, ecological, and welfare challenges. The study, titled 'Delineating the environmental justice implications of an experimental cheetah introduction project in India', was published in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
Key Findings of the Study
- The translocation has resulted in significant welfare challenges, with a mortality rate of 40%-50% in the first phase, which is far below the expected 85% survival rate.
- Under Project Cheetah:
- 20 African cheetahs were introduced into the Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh.
- These include 8 cheetahs from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023.
- The cheetahs experienced high stress levels due to over 90 chemical immobilisations and frequent veterinary interventions, raising concerns about their physical and mental health.
- African cheetah populations are already under pressure with only about 6,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild.
Ecological and Ethical Concerns
- The project relies on a continuous supply of cheetahs from southern Africa, deemed neither ecologically sustainable nor ethical by researchers.
- Plans exist to import 12 cheetahs annually until a viable population is established in India.
Recommendations by Researchers
- The study recommends a justice-informed approach, ensuring conservation decisions involve inclusive, participatory processes that consider diverse values towards nature.
- Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging diverse knowledge systems and values, and gaining consent from communities impacted by such initiatives.
- Advocates for conservation efforts focusing on sustainable shared spaces between humans and wildlife, avoiding further division and distress.