SC expresses concern over the death of cheetahs

The Supreme Court expressed its concern on Thursday about the deaths of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park and directed the Centre to take appropriate action.

However, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that 50% of deaths during translocation are typical.

These observations were made by a bench of Justices BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Prashant Kumar Mishra while hearing the case of cheetah deaths. Taking note of the recent deaths of two cheetahs, the court asked the Centre why they were making it a prestige issue.

The court also questioned why the cheetahs were confined to one location. The court recommended that the Centre take some positive initiatives.

The government’s attorney, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, told the court that they are working hard on the project. She informed the court that 50% of deaths during translocation are normal.

The court wanted to know if they were suited to the climate or if they had Kidney or respiratory problems. ASG said that the infections were the cause of the deaths.

The court mentioned that one of the sanctuaries in Rajasthan is notable for leopards and advised that the court take this into consideration.

Twelve cheetahs from South Africa arrived in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park on February 18 after South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on collaboration in the reintroduction of Cheetahs in India in order to build a viable cheetah population in the Asian country.

Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released eight cheetahs transported from Namibia at Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022, to commemorate his birthday. A cheetah died lately as a result of disease.