Project Cheetah and Inter-State Movement of Cheetahs

1. Background

India launched Project Cheetah to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild after they became extinct in India.

• Extinction in India: 1952

• Declared extinct due to:

  • Hunting by royalty

  • Habitat loss

  • Decline of prey species

The project aims to restore grassland ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

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2. Key Development (Current News)

Two cheetahs — KP2 and KP3 — have moved from:

• Kuno National Park
  to

• Baran district, Rajasthan

They travelled about 60–70 km.

The movement is being monitored by:

• National Tiger Conservation Authority

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3. Reason for Movement

According to NTCA, the movement shows:

Natural Territorial Behaviour

Definition:
Long-distance movement by animals to establish territory, find mates, or locate prey resources.

In large carnivores, such dispersal behaviour is normal, especially among:

• Young individuals

• Newly established populations.

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4. Cheetahs Involved

KP2 and KP3 are:

• First generation cubs born in India

• Offspring of African cheetahs translocated in 2022.

They are:

• Radio-collared

• Tracked via satellite monitoring.

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5. Inter-State Landscape Plan

The project anticipates cheetahs moving across landscapes within the Kuno–Gandhi Sagar metapopulation region.

Proposed Wildlife Corridor

Kuno–Gandhi Sagar Corridor

• Area: ~17,000 sq km

• Covers:

  • 7 districts of Rajasthan

  • 8 districts of Madhya Pradesh

Purpose:

• Enable genetic exchange

• Ensure large habitat connectivity

• Support long-term population viability.

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6. Recent Cheetah Translocations

Latest development:

• 9 cheetahs imported from Botswana (Feb 2026)

Transport details:

• Airlifted to Gwalior Air Force Station

• Then moved to Kuno via helicopter.

Botswana becomes the third African country supplying cheetahs.

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7. Countries Supplying Cheetahs

Total adults translocated since 2022: 29

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8. Population Status in India

Some cheetahs are also housed at:

• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

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9. Concept: Metapopulation

Metapopulation refers to:

A group of spatially separated populations of the same species that interact through migration.

Importance:

• Prevents genetic isolation

• Increases species survival

• Maintains ecosystem balance.

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10. Significance of Project Cheetah

1. Grassland Restoration

Cheetahs act as flagship species for conserving grasslands.

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2. Biodiversity Conservation

Supports protection of species such as:

• Blackbuck

• Chinkara

• Indian wolf.

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3. Ecosystem Balance

Top predators help regulate herbivore populations.

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4. Ecotourism Potential

May generate local livelihood opportunities.

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11. Challenges

1. Mortality Concerns

Deaths due to:

• Infections

• Radio-collar injuries

• Adaptation stress.

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2. Habitat Suitability

India’s habitats are fragmented compared to African savannas.

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3. Human-Wildlife Conflict

As animals disperse beyond protected areas.

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4. Genetic Diversity

Small founder population risks genetic bottleneck.

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12. Way Forward

• Develop large landscape corridors

• Strengthen scientific monitoring

• Increase prey base

• Involve local communities

• Expand multiple cheetah habitats across India.

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13. Prelims Key Points

Remember:

• Cheetah extinct in India: 1952

• Reintroduction project: Project Cheetah (2022)

• Main site: Kuno National Park

• Countries supplying cheetahs: Namibia, South Africa, Botswana

• Monitoring agency: NTCA