Arrival of First Four Cheetahs from Botswana to India in May
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Synopsis
The first group of four cheetahs from Botswana will arrive in India in May as part of the 'Cheetah Project'. The initiative aims to enhance wildlife conservation and promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Two cheetahs will also be relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Key Takeaways
- First four cheetahs arriving in May
- Import from Botswana in two phases
- NTCA overseeing the project
- Plans for Cheetah Safari pending Supreme Court approval
- Enhancements in tourism infrastructure at Kuno National Park
Bhopal, April 19 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance the 'Cheetah Project', the initial four of the eight cheetahs that are to be imported from southern Africa will touch down in India this May. These magnificent big cats will be transported from Botswana in two phases, as reported by officials on Saturday.
Details were shared by representatives of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) during a review meeting of the cheetah initiative on Friday, attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
"Efforts are being made to bring additional cheetahs from South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya to India. The plan includes the arrival of eight cheetahs in two installments. The first four cheetahs from Botswana are expected to reach by May, followed by four more. Currently, discussions are ongoing regarding an agreement between India and Kenya," a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government cited NTCA officials.
In addition, two cheetahs from the Kuno National Park (KNP) will be moved to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that a male and a female cheetah from KNP will be relocated on April 20.
This information was released following a meeting between Bhupender Yadav and CM Yadav with senior forest officials in Bhopal.
"The state government is dedicated to transforming Kuno National Park into a premier wildlife tourism destination. Alongside KNP, the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur district will soon welcome cheetahs," noted the Chief Minister.
CM Yadav also mentioned plans to boost tourism at Kuno National Park by enhancing direct road and air connections from Gwalior.
He stated that Madhya Pradesh is actively working to improve its ecosystem.
During the review meeting regarding the 'Cheetah Project' implementation, it was highlighted that cheetah cubs born in Madhya Pradesh exhibit the highest survival rates globally.
"In contrast, cubs in other nations often face challenges adapting to their environments. The Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary provides an optimal habitat for cheetahs, leading the state to introduce them there to enrich the sanctuary," CM Yadav expressed.
Additionally, CM Yadav revealed plans to construct a paved, all-weather road from Gwalior to KNP and to create a tent city within the forest for visitors.
An international-level veterinary hospital and rescue center will also be established in the Kuno area with federal support.
This facility aims to cater to cheetahs and assist with cattle care in the vicinity.
Furthermore, the state government is devoted to conserving king cobras, gharial, and rare turtles.
In the initial phase, 10 king cobras will be introduced to Madhya Pradesh to help regulate the population of venomous snakes in the forests.
Kuno National Park currently houses 26 cheetahs, with 16 roaming freely and 10 in rehabilitation enclosures.
Female cheetahs Jwala, Asha, Gamini, and Veera have successfully given birth to cubs.
The state government has also sought the Supreme Court's permission to initiate a Cheetah Safari, as such safaris in forests or eco-sensitive areas require judicial approval, a forest official informed IANS.
