India and Namibia have finalized an agreement to reintroduce eight African cheetahs to India, placing them in a protected reserve with the aim of reviving the population of these iconic predators. The arrangement was reported by Al Jazeera, highlighting a significant step in wildlife conservation and cross-border collaboration.
The eight cheetahs are expected to reach their new home in India next month, where they will be monitored and supported as they acclimate to a new environment after decades of absence.
Diplomatic and scientific talks on cheetah translocation have been ongoing since 2020. At that time, India’s Supreme Court authorized a controlled trial to relocate African cheetahs to a safe area within the country, marking a key legal and conservation milestone.
Historically, cheetahs once inhabited India but were declared extinct in 1952 due to intensive hunting and habitat loss. The current plan represents an effort to restore a missing piece of India’s natural heritage and to study the ecological dynamics of reintroducing a wide-ranging predator.
The forthcoming arrival is planned for August at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Officials say the choice of this reserve aligns with favorable habitat conditions for cheetahs, including open terrain, prey availability, and a robust safety framework for monitoring and management during the initial years.
Reintroduction efforts like this are part of a broader strategy to restore apex predators and balance ecosystems that have suffered from past losses. Supporters argue that healthy predator populations can help stabilize prey species and contribute to biodiversity while also fostering public interest in conservation and wildlife tourism.
Experts emphasize that careful planning, ongoing habitat management, and long-term monitoring will be essential for the cheetahs to thrive. The collaboration between India and Namibia showcases a shared commitment to wildlife conservation and the potential benefits of international cooperation in protecting endangered species for future generations. (Source attribution: Al Jazeera)”}