Study Overview:
- Conducted by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS).
- Published in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
- Examines ethical, ecological, and welfare challenges of the African cheetah translocation to India.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Key Concerns Raised:
- High Mortality Rate:
- 40%-50% mortality in the first phase vs. an expected survival rate of 85%.
- Stress and Health Issues:
- Over 90 chemical immobilisations and frequent veterinary interventions indicate significant stress.
- Threat to Source Population:
- Only ~6,500 mature African cheetahs remain in the wild.
- Reliance on continuous imports (planned 12 cheetahs annually) is unsustainable and unethical.
Project Cheetah – Status:
- 20 cheetahs introduced at Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh.
- 8 from Namibia (September 2022).
- 12 from South Africa (February 2023).
- All individuals are currently in captivity due to early-phase challenges.
Ethical & Environmental Justice Issues:
- Lack of inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.
- Neglect of local communities’ consent and traditional knowledge systems.
- Risks creating human-wildlife conflicts rather than fostering coexistence.
Recommendations from Study Authors:
- Adopt a justice-informed conservation approach.
- Prioritize sustainable shared spaces between humans and wildlife.
- Move away from projects that cause distress and divide communities.
Broader Implications:
- Raises questions on the scientific merit and long-term viability of large-scale species reintroduction.
- Highlights the importance of ethical considerations alongside ecological objectives in conservation policies.
