The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India was officially initiated on September 17, 2022. The primary objective of this project is to restore the cheetah population that was declared extinct in the country in 1952. This involves the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park located in Madhya Pradesh for reintroduction.
Radio Collars: A Vital Tool in Wildlife Management
Radio collars serve as an essential tool for tracking and monitoring animals in the wild. These devices, consisting of a collar and a small radio transmitter, provide crucial data about animal behavior, migration, and population dynamics. Combining radio collars with GPS or accelerometers can offer additional information about the animal’s movement. To ensure the comfort of the animals, these collars are designed to be lightweight.
Unexpected Setbacks: Concerns over Cheetah Injuries
Recently, the use of radio collars in the Cheetah Reintroduction Project resulted in an unforeseen setback. Some cheetahs experienced neck injuries and septicaemia, a blood infection caused by bacteria, which has led to concern among experts. Notably, two cheetahs at Kuno died due to suspected septicaemia caused by infected neck wounds from radio collars.
Challenges Associated with Long-Term Radio Collar Usage
While radio collars provide vital data, long-term usage can cause risks and challenges. For instance, studies have shown that items worn for extended periods (like watches) can increase the risk of bacterial infections. Similarly, dogs wearing collars can develop specific skin conditions. Therefore, careful management of potential risks like infections or injuries is crucial when using radio collars in wildlife projects.
Vulnerability of Cheetahs to Collar-Induced Injuries
Cheetahs are particularly vulnerable to collar-induced injuries due to several factors. Their winter coat, thicker than that of tigers or leopards, retains more water and takes longer to dry. Moreover, African cheetahs may be more prone to local pathogens compared to Indian big cats due to differences in immunity and environmental conditions.
Lack of Adaptation in Monsoon Conditions
Another challenge is the lack of adaptation of cheetahs to monsoon conditions under collars. Historically, cheetahs in India did not wear collars during the monsoon. Therefore, the reintroduced cheetahs may have different responses to the local climate.
Implications for the Reintroduction Project
The issues associated with the use of radio collars pose challenges to the project’s progression. The lack of a clear plan for the next monsoon season raises questions about the welfare of re-collared cheetahs.
Progress of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project
Twenty radio-collared cheetahs were translocated from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park. The project saw small victory when one of the relocated cheetahs gave birth to four cubs in March 2023. As of now, 11 cheetahs are in a free-ranging condition, while five animals are in quarantine enclosures for acclimatization.
Project Implementation and Challenges
The project, led by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), faces numerous challenges. These include monitoring, protecting, and managing the reintroduced cheetah population.
Conservation Efforts and Measures
To address the challenges, various efforts are underway. These include establishing a Cheetah Research Center, expanding forest areas under Kuno National Park’s control, providing additional frontline staff, creating a Cheetah Protection Force, and establishing a second home for cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
