17th September 2024 marks the two-year anniversary of Project Cheetah, an ambitious government initiative to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild in India. Despite promising milestones, the project has also faced its share of challenges.
Project Cheetah, launched on September 17, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, aimed to restore cheetah populations to India after a 70-year absence. Over the past two years, this project has witnessed notable successes, painful losses, growing optimism, and substantial criticism as India continues to navigate the complexities of rewilding large carnivores.
Key Milestones and Progress
In its second year, Project Cheetah saw the birth of 13 cubs on Indian soil, a significant achievement in rewilding efforts. Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to three cubs in January, followed by Namibian female Jwala, who had another three cubs. Jwala had delivered four cubs last year, but only one survived. Additionally, South African cheetah Gamini had six cubs in March. While two cubs did not survive, these births have provided fresh momentum to the project.
Authorities are now focusing on expanding the cheetahs’ habitat by preparing Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh as their second home. Efforts are also underway to establish a conservation breeding center in Gujarat’s Bunni grasslands, with plans to release cheetahs into larger habitats spanning nearly 2,700 square kilometers across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite the progress, Project Cheetah has encountered several obstacles. Two adult cheetahs, Namibian males Shaurya and Pawan, died in 2024. Shaurya succumbed to septicemia in January, and Pawan died under unusual circumstances in August, reportedly from drowning—a rare occurrence for cheetahs.
Moreover, the cheetahs at Kuno National Park remain confined to enclosures ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 square kilometers, far smaller than their natural roaming range of over 50 square kilometers. Experts have voiced concerns that this restriction is causing stress for the animals. “The cheetahs are not truly living in the wild, and they need larger spaces to thrive,” said an African expert involved in the project.
Health concerns also emerged during the first year, when three cheetahs died of septicemia caused by maggot-infested wounds. The deaths were attributed to the animals’ thick winter coats, which developed in anticipation of the African winter and were unsuited to India’s summer conditions. These setbacks forced authorities to temporarily halt releasing cheetahs into the wild last year.
Plans for Year Three
As Project Cheetah enters its third year, authorities are working to improve conditions and overcome obstacles. A new batch of cheetahs is expected to arrive from Kenya by the end of 2024, with discussions ongoing with South Africa for additional animals. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has also approved the creation of a four-part web series to highlight India’s efforts to reintroduce cheetahs, though some wildlife experts have criticized the move, citing the project’s unresolved challenges.
The project’s immediate goal is to gradually release cheetahs and their cubs into the wild after the monsoon season ends in October. However, concerns remain over the high population of leopards in both Kuno and Gandhisagar, which could compete with cheetahs for prey. Efforts to translocate leopards are ongoing, as authorities work to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Optimism and Uncertainty
While Project Cheetah has made significant strides, it has also faced criticism. Some experts question whether releasing cheetahs that have spent extended periods in captivity is feasible. Others have raised concerns about the lack of coordination between central and state authorities, as highlighted by a report from the accountant general of Madhya Pradesh.
As the project moves forward, conservationists and authorities alike are focused on ensuring better coordination, improved habitat management, and greater transparency. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining whether the ambitious reintroduction of cheetahs in India can truly succeed in the long term.
With promising births, ongoing challenges, and a new phase of expansion ahead, Project Cheetah continues to symbolize India’s commitment to wildlife restoration. The road ahead, however, will require careful planning, scientific rigour, and international collaboration to ensure the survival and thriving of cheetahs in India.
