Bhopal: In a significant advancement for the central government's ambitious cheetah reintroduction initiative, a specialized expert team constituted under 'Project Cheetah' has submitted its assessment report on Gujarat's Banni grasslands as a potential new habitat for the feline species. This move marks a crucial step beyond the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, the initial release site. The report has been presented to the high-powered steering committee overseeing the program, paving the way for the first translocation of African cheetahs outside Kuno.
Assessment Report Submitted
The report, prepared after an extensive field evaluation of Banni in Gujarat's Kutch region, was submitted by a team led by 'Project Cheetah' director Uttam Sharma. The team comprised senior experts, including an official from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and a wildlife veterinarian from Kuno National Park, according to sources. The assessment covered multiple critical parameters for cheetah introduction, including prey density, habitat suitability, veterinary preparedness, enclosure readiness, human-wildlife interface, landscape connectivity, and long-term management requirements.
Next Steps and Decision-Making
The report is now under review by the special steering committee formed under 'Project Cheetah', which will determine the next course of action. This includes assessing whether Banni is ready to host cheetahs, deciding the number of animals to be relocated, and establishing a timeline for their translocation. While Uttam Sharma declined to disclose the findings, sources familiar with the assessment indicated that the recommendations are largely favorable to Gujarat. However, officials emphasized that the final decision rests with the steering committee, which will examine the report before approving any movement of animals at their next meeting.
Likely Translocation Plan
Although officials remained tight-lipped about the assessment report, insiders suggested that most likely three cheetahs—two females and one male from the Botswana batch currently housed at Kuno—would be sent to Banni. 'Banni marks a significant milestone in India's effort to expand Project Cheetah beyond Kuno. Since the arrival of African cheetahs from Namibia and Botswana in 2022, Kuno has remained the focal point of the world's first intercontinental translocation of a large carnivore. Efforts are underway to develop multiple landscapes to establish a stable and genetically viable cheetah metapopulation,' an official said, requesting anonymity.
Background and Future Prospects
The Gujarat forest department had placed their request for translocation of cheetahs a few months ago. The expansion to Banni represents a major step in diversifying cheetah habitats in India, aiming to create a robust and sustainable population. The steering committee's decision will be pivotal in determining the success of this next phase of the reintroduction program.
