Project Cheetah Denies Radio Collar Link to Cheetah Deaths in Kuno National Park

NEW DELHI: In response to growing concerns regarding the deaths of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, SP Yadav, Head of Project Cheetah and member secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has firmly denied any connection between the fatalities and the use of radio collars. As the country marks the one-year milestone of cheetah reintroduction efforts, Yadav emphasized that "not a single cheetah died due to radio collars."

Radio collars, a widely accepted technology for monitoring carnivores and wildlife across the globe, have been at the center of speculation surrounding the cheetah deaths. Yadav defended their use, stating that monitoring in the wild would be nearly impossible without them. He stressed that this technology has a proven track record of aiding conservation efforts and ensuring the well-being of animals.

Addressing the overall health of the reintroduced cheetah population, Yadav reported that out of the 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa, 14 are in excellent health and thriving in their new environment. Furthermore, he highlighted that four cheetahs were born in India, with one of them now six months old and doing well. Tragically, three cubs succumbed to climatic factors.

Since March of the current year, nine cheetahs have tragically passed away in Kuno National Park. Yadav was quick to clarify that none of these losses were attributable to hunting, poaching, or poisoning. He emphasized the exceptional preparedness of the conservation team, which ensured that not a single cheetah fell victim to these threats. Moreover, no cheetahs have perished due to human conflict.

Yadav shed light on the unique nature of this reintroduction project, noting that it marked the first-ever wild-to-wild translocation of cheetahs between continents. This endeavor presented numerous challenges, given the sensitivity of cheetahs to stress and change. Nevertheless, he proudly announced that the translocation occurred seamlessly, with no fatalities resulting from the complex process.

The reintroduction of cheetahs in India is a significant conservation achievement, as these magnificent animals had been absent from the country for 75 years. As Project Cheetah celebrates this milestone, Yadav reiterated the success of their efforts and their commitment to preserving and rejuvenating the cheetah population in its native habitat.

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