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  • Q.14. What is the implementing authority of Project Cheetah in India and which are the collaborating partners? What are the ecological objectives of this project so far? Give your opinion on the implementation of the project so far.

    • 15,Oct 2024
    • Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
    • 0 Comments
    • APSC2023
    • GS3

    Project Cheetah is India’s ambitious initiative aimed at reintroducing cheetahs into the wild after they were declared extinct in the country in 1952. This project represents the world’s first intercontinental translocation of cheetahs and forms part of India’s broader goal to restore its ecological balance, particularly in grassland ecosystems. The project is being carried out under the aegis of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with the first batch of cheetahs arriving in India in 2022. The reintroduction is crucial for restoring biodiversity, enhancing the health of India’s ecosystems, and promoting conservation on a global scale.

    Implementing Authority and Collaborating Partners

    A. Implementing Authority:

    • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is responsible for overseeing the execution of Project Cheetah.

    B. Collaborating Partners:

    • Namibia and South Africa: Key partners providing the cheetahs for reintroduction. In September 2022, 8 cheetahs from Namibia were translocated to Kuno National Park, followed by 12 cheetahs from South Africa in early 2023.
    • Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Plays a pivotal role in scientific planning, habitat assessment, and long-term monitoring of the reintroduced cheetahs.
    • Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF): A Namibia-based NGO that provides expertise in cheetah conservation and relocation strategies.
    • Madhya Pradesh Forest Department: Responsible for managing Kuno National Park, the site chosen for cheetah reintroduction.

    Ecological Objectives of Project Cheetah

    1. Restoration of Grassland Ecosystems: Cheetahs are a keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and their reintroduction will help control herbivore populations such as chital and nilgai, preventing overgrazing and promoting biodiversity.
    2. Promotion of Trophic Cascades: As an apex predator, cheetahs help restore the prey-predator balance, initiating trophic cascades that enhance ecosystem health and ensure the survival of various flora and fauna.
    3. Conservation of Endangered Species: The project indirectly supports other grassland-dependent species like the Great Indian Bustard and blackbuck, contributing to the broader biodiversity conservation goals of India.
    4. Global Conservation Collaboration: Project Cheetah sets a precedent for transcontinental species reintroduction and fosters global partnerships in wildlife conservation, aligning with international biodiversity goals such as those outlined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
    5. Human-Wildlife Coexistence: By fostering eco-tourism around cheetah habitats, the project aims to integrate local communities into conservation efforts, promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

    Opinion on Project Implementation So Far

    1. Scientific Foundation: The project is grounded in strong scientific backing, with significant input from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and international experts like the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). The use of radio collars to monitor the cheetahs’ adaptation is a positive step for real-time management.
    2. Positive Ecological Impact: Initial results, such as successful predator-prey interactions, indicate that cheetahs are adapting to Kuno National Park, hunting species like chital and nilgai, demonstrating the potential for trophic cascades and ecosystem restoration.
    3. Challenges in Habitat Size: Kuno National Park, at 748 sq. km, may face limitations in supporting a growing cheetah population. Experts, including those from the Supreme Court-appointed committee, have raised concerns about the long-term capacity of the park, potentially necessitating expansion into other regions or the creation of wildlife corridors.
    4. Mortality and Adaptation: Some cheetah mortality cases in the initial phases indicate challenges in adapting to the new environment. This underscores the need for continuous adaptive management and veterinary care to ensure the health and survival of the relocated cheetahs.
    5. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As cheetah populations grow and potentially move beyond park boundaries, the project must address the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Ongoing community engagement and compensation schemes for livestock losses will be critical in fostering coexistence.

    Project Cheetah represents a significant milestone in India’s conservation efforts, with early successes in reintroducing cheetahs as a keystone species to restore grassland ecosystems. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of habitat size, mortality rates, and potential human-wildlife conflicts. The project, supported by scientific expertise and global partnerships, holds great promise but requires adaptive management and long-term planning to ensure its success.

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