#Environment ■ SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to anothe | UPSC Environment Ecology Agriculture Notes
#Environment
■ SC urges Centre to transfer cheetahs to another location-
Recently, the Supreme Court told the Union Government that deaths of 40% of the 20 cheetahs brought from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno National Park (KNP) under a year does not present a good picture.
It urged the government to move them to a more conducive environment, if required
It also wants Kuno National Park cheetahs to undergo medical review
● Background:
The Cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world.
Its historical range includes the majority of Sub-Saharan Africa and extends eastward to India.
It is the only large carnivore that went ‘Extinct’ in India due to overhunting and habitat loss.
The last cheetah died in the Koriya district of present-day Chhattisgarh in 1947 and the species was declared extinct in 1952.
● Cheetah Reintroduction Plan:
Discussions to bring the Cheetah back to India were initiated in 2009 by the Wildlife Trust of India.
Under the ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India’, 50 cheetahs will be brought from African countries to various national parks over 5 years.
Recommended site: Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh
Other sites recommended
Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary - Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary complex, Madhya Pradesh
Shahgarh bulge in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Mukundara Tiger Reserve as the fenced enclosure, Rajasthan
● Why is KNP given the highest priority for reintroduction?
Suitable habitat and adequate prey base.
Assessed to be capable of supporting 21 cheetahs.
Devoid of human settlements
Villages have been completely relocated from within the park.
Enables the coexistence of the four big cats found in India – the tiger, lion, leopard, and cheetah, as they have in the past.
● Prelims Takeaway:
Cheetah Reintroduction Plan
Wildlife Trust of India
Kuno National Park
Cheetah
SOURCE - THE HINDU
