In a recent development, the Supreme Court has ended its seven-year halt on a proposal for enlisting African Cheetahs from Namibia into India’s natural reserve. The decision is directed towards reintroducing foreign Cheetahs into Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh on a trial-and-error basis.
A Historical Overview
The Asiatic Cheetah was formally declared extinct from India in 1952. This led to a discussion on the need for wildlife conservation and led to several initiatives to preserve India’s rich biodiversity. However, it wasn’t until recently that a formal decision to reintroduce a foreign species, African Cheetahs, was made.
Comparing African and Asiatic Cheetahs
African and Asiatic Cheetahs differ on a number of parameters including their IUCN status, CITES status, habitat, and physical characteristics. African Cheetahs are bigger in size as compared to Asiatic Cheetahs and can be identified by their unique physical characteristics such as more fur, a smaller head, and a longer neck. In addition, they usually possess red eyes giving them a distinct cat-like appearance.
| Parameter | African Cheetah | Asiatic Cheetah |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN status | Vulnerable | Critically Endangered |
| CITES status | Appendix-I of the List | Appendix-I of the List |
| Habitat | 6,500-7,000 present in the wild | 40-50 found only in Iran |
| Physical Characteristics | Bigger in size, more fur, smaller head, longer neck, red eyes | Smaller and paler, More Cat-like appearance |
Declining Cheetah Population: A Global Concern
Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. However, a recent study has highlighted a decline in the cheetah population, leading scientists to demand that cheetahs are upgraded to the “endangered” category. In areas such as North Africa and Asia, cheetahs are already considered critically endangered.
The Road Ahead: Cheetah Conservation in India
The introduction of African Cheetahs to the Palpur Kuno sanctuary is a pilot attempt to enrich India’s wildlife diversity. Monitoring their adaptation and survival will provide useful insights into the viability of introducing other endangered species into foreign habitats as a part of global conservation efforts.
