Cheetahs Reintroduced To India

Cheetahs have been reintroduced to India for the first time since 1952. Previously they were declared extinct in the country.

Eight wild cheetahs were transported from Namibia on September 17th. Five of the eight are females and three males. Their ages vary between two and six and they have been released into Kuno National Park near Delhi.

Slow Introduction

So as to slowly integrate them with their new surroundings they will spend a few weeks in a smaller enclosure. Once released beyond the enclosure they will have a 5,000 square kilometre range consisting of forest and grassland. They will be able to hunt antelope and boar, among other smaller prey. All of the cheetahs have been fitted with tracking collars so that they can be monitored.

There will be further cheetahs moved to India from both Namibia and South Africa. Probably 20 in total will be relocated. This project is the first of its kind as cheetahs have never been released into the wild on another continent.

Asiatic Cheetahs

Cheetahs did however once dwell in India. Asiatic cheetahs, which is the type that once lived in India, used to be found in North Africa and the Middle East too. However, now only a very small number are found only in Iran. They were made extinct in India due to hunting and habitat loss.

Opinions are divided as to whether the cheetahs will do well in the new habitat. Some conservationists believe they will thrive, whereas others think they will clash with existing native predators such as leopards.