Historic Cheetah Handover at Mokolodi Nature Reserve
In a significant development for wildlife conservation, Botswana officially transferred eight cheetahs to India on Thursday during President Droupadi Murmu's state visit. The ceremonial handover took place at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, marking another crucial step in India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction program.
The event witnessed the presence of both President Murmu and Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko, who jointly oversaw the transfer process. Two of the eight cheetahs were symbolically released into a quarantine enclosure during the ceremony, while wildlife officials from both nations provided detailed briefings about the transfer protocol.
Details of the Cheetah Transfer
The eight cheetahs comprise a mix of adults and sub-adults that were originally brought to the reserve from Ghanzi town in Botswana's Kalahari desert region. According to the transfer plan, all eight cheetahs will undergo quarantine in Botswana before being airlifted to India in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the event, President Murmu emphasized the significance of Botswana's contribution, stating that "these cheetahs will join their brothers and sisters in India's Kuno National Park, helping us to restore the species in its historical habitat." She described the gift as reflecting Botswana's strong commitment to global wildlife conservation efforts.
India's Cheetah Reintroduction Journey
India's cheetah reintroduction project began in 2022 when the country received eight cheetahs from Namibia. This was followed by the arrival of twelve more cheetahs from South Africa in 2023. The program has shown promising results despite challenges.
To date, India has recorded 27 cheetahs in total, including 16 born on Indian soil. While the project has faced setbacks with 19 cheetah deaths due to various causes, the birth of 26 cubs so far indicates the program's potential for long-term success.
The latest addition from Botswana will join the existing cheetah population at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, further strengthening the genetic diversity and sustainability of India's growing cheetah population. President Boko expressed Botswana's satisfaction in supporting India's efforts to rebuild its cheetah population, highlighting the international cooperation aspect of wildlife conservation.
