The escalating death toll of cheetahs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, is ringing alarm bells nationwide. Over the past year, the park has seen a 40% decline in the cheetah population, putting the viability of Project Cheetah, a conservation initiative, under scrutiny.
Recently, a post-mortem examination revealed the death of a female cheetah named Dhatri, formerly known as Tbilisi. Since March 26, nine cheetahs, inclusive of three cubs born inside the park, have succumbed to various causes, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing crisis.
The Supreme Court has taken note of the situation, instructing the Central Government to contemplate cheetah relocation to Rajasthan, despite the prevailing political situation. The court maintained that political considerations should not obstruct the decision-making process.
Dr. Rajesh Gopal, the Chairman of the Cheetah Steering Committee, offered that the radio collars worn by the cheetahs might be a contributing factor to the deaths.
Initial findings by veterinary doctors linked stress-induced infections affecting the kidneys and lungs to the fatalities, but subsequent insights have pointed to skin infections from the collars as an emerging threat.
Seventy years since their reintroduction in India, the absence of these majestic creatures from the view of tourists has become a significant concern. The ambition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Project Cheetah” is now under threat due to the widespread infections and untimely deaths.
With only 15 cheetahs remaining, including four adults in large enclosures and ten in the open jungle, urgent measures are needed to protect the survivors and prevent more casualties. Experts must be consulted to investigate the root causes of the alarming mortality rate, while addressing the issue should not be mired in political disputes.
The escalating infection rate among cheetahs could also have implications for the broader population. It is imperative for the management to mitigate these risks and secure the cheetahs’ survival.
The success of Project Cheetah will depend on effectively tackling these challenges, with the support of local communities being pivotal.
The dwindling cheetah numbers necessitate swift intervention to ensure their survival in Kuno National Park. The loss of such emblematic species is not just a setback for the park but disrupts the ecological equilibrium of the entire region. Therefore, authorities must act promptly to minimise the impact and safeguard the cheetahs’ future in India.