Ethical Concerns Over African Cheetah Translocation in India

The translocation of African cheetahs to India has raised ethical, ecological, and welfare concerns. A recent study by the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) marks the challenges faced in this initiative. The project aims to establish a viable population of cheetahs in India, but the outcomes so far have been alarming.

Background of the Translocation Project

In September 2022 and February 2023, a total of 20 African cheetahs were introduced into Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative, known as Project Cheetah, seeks to reestablish the cheetah population in India after their extinction in the 1950s. The cheetahs were sourced from Namibia and South Africa.

High Mortality Rates

The study indicates that the translocated cheetahs have faced a mortality rate of 40% to 50% during the initial phase. This is lower than the expected survival rate of 85%. Currently, all cheetahs are kept in captivity, raising concerns about the sustainability of the project.

Welfare Challenges

CWS reported that the cheetahs have undergone over 90 chemical immobilisations and frequent veterinary interventions. These procedures have led to high stress levels among the animals. The physical and mental health of the cheetahs has become a critical concern, as their wellbeing is paramount in conservation efforts.

Ecological Sustainability Issues

The researchers argue that relying on a continuous supply of cheetahs from southern Africa is neither ecologically sustainable nor ethical. With only about 6,500 mature cheetahs remaining in the wild, the implications of depleting their populations for translocation are severe.

Justice-Informed Conservation Approach

The study advocates for a justice-informed approach to conservation. This means involving local communities and considering their values and knowledge systems. The authors stress the importance of participatory processes in conservation decisions. They argue that conservation should aim to create sustainable shared spaces between humans and wildlife.

Future Directions

The project plans to import an additional 12 cheetahs annually until a viable population is established. However, the current challenges raise questions about the long-term viability of this approach. The focus should shift towards ensuring the welfare of the existing cheetahs and encouraging a more ethical conservation strategy.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the ethical implications of introducing non-native species into ecosystems.
2. Explain the role of community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.
3. What are the long-term ecological impacts of species extinction? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. What is the significance of maintaining biodiversity? How does it affect ecological balance?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the ethical implications of introducing non-native species into ecosystems.

1. Non-native species can disrupt existing ecosystems, leading to competition with native species for resources.
2. Ethical concerns arise over the welfare of the introduced species, especially if they face high mortality rates.
3. Such introductions may violate the principle of ecological integrity and the rights of indigenous species.
4. There is a risk of creating human-wildlife conflict, impacting local communities and their livelihoods.
5. The long-term ecological consequences may outweigh short-term conservation goals, necessitating careful evaluation.

2. Explain the role of community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.

1. Community involvement encourages local stewardship and ownership of conservation initiatives, enhancing commitment.
2. Participatory approaches ensure that diverse local knowledge and values are integrated into conservation strategies.
3. Engaging communities can mitigate human-wildlife conflicts by aligning conservation goals with local needs.
4. Communities can provide valuable vital information about sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and human populations.
5. Successful conservation outcomes often depend on the support and consent of local stakeholders.

3. What are the long-term ecological impacts of species extinction? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Species extinction disrupts food webs, leading to imbalances in ecosystem dynamics and loss of biodiversity.
2. For example, the extinction of top predators can result in overpopulation of prey species, affecting vegetation and habitat quality.
3. Loss of species can diminish ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification, impacting human livelihoods.
4. Extinction can lead to genetic erosion, reducing resilience to environmental changes among remaining species.
5. Historical extinctions, like the passenger pigeon, illustrate how loss of a single species can have cascading effects on ecosystems.

4. What is the significance of maintaining biodiversity? How does it affect ecological balance?

1. Biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience, enabling systems to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes.
2. It supports a variety of ecosystem services, such as food production, climate regulation, and disease control.
3. Diverse ecosystems are more productive and can sustain a wider range of species, promoting ecological balance.
4. Loss of biodiversity can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, threatening food security.
5. Maintaining biodiversity is crucial for cultural, recreational, and economic benefits derived from natural resources.